The Akbar Institute, or the "Coordination of Humanitarian and Development Assistance for Afghans," has recently stated that the new warning from the Ministry of Economy regarding the ban on women's work in domestic and international NGOs does not apply to the health and education sectors. In a published statement, the institute noted that this directive also does not include women who work online. Furthermore, it stated that female employees who travel from home to the field and back are not affected by this directive, as they usually travel with a "mahram" (male guardian). The Akbar Institute emphasized that this directive is a continuation of the ban on women's work in domestic and international NGOs, which has never been revoked and primarily affects organizations that require female staff to be present in the office daily. Additionally, in part of its statement, the Akbar Institute recommended that female employees of NGOs maintain "full hijab" while at the office and be accompanied by a mahram. The statement specified that female employees must wear hijab not only on their way to work but also inside the office. It further stated that offices should have separate entrances, rest areas, and prayer rooms for female employees, and the presence of female staff in offices should be justified, especially in the health and education sectors, with clear objectives for their presence. According to the statement, these justifications are essential in case of surprise visits by the caretaker government’s forces to the offices. The "Coordination of Humanitarian and Development Assistance for Afghans" clarified: "All staff must be appropriately informed to provide suitable responses in case of visits, inquiries, or related situations." This comes as the Ministry of Economy of the current government recently warned institutions about violations of the ban on women's work, stating that the activities of non-compliant institutions will be suspended and their licenses revoked. In a letter, a copy of which was also received by the media outlet Goharshad, the ministry stated: "Once again, all respected non-Emirati (government) institutions are directed to take into account written document number (4293) from this ministry regarding the suspension of female employment in separate institutions and to take necessary actions accordingly." The ministry has warned that if institutions do not cooperate regarding the ban on women's work, all activities of non-compliant institutions will be suspended, and their licenses will be revoked. The Ministry of Economy of the caretaker government banned women's work in domestic and international NGOs on December 24, 2022. The ministry stated that it imposed this ban due to complaints about non-compliance with "hijab" and regulations. It is worth noting that following this directive, the current government also banned women's work in United Nations offices. Over the past two years, the people of Afghanistan and countries around the world have repeatedly called for the lifting of the ban on women's work, but officials of the current government have not yet responded to these requests.

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the interim government of Afghanistan, has issued a new decree emphasizing that women should not be seen from the windows of neighboring houses while coming and going or cooking, continuing the imposition of restrictions on women and girls. In a five-article decree published on Saturday, December 28, by the current government's administration on its X account, it is stated that the construction of windows that have a direct view into neighboring houses is prohibited. The first article of this decree states that when constructing new buildings, if the distance is one path from another house, they are not allowed to have a window facing kitchens, water wells, or places where women are typically seen. This is because women, by custom and habit, sit near windows. Additionally, the second article states that according to the first article, if previously constructed buildings have windows with a direct view into a neighbor's house, the owner of the building is obligated to build a wall of human height in front of it or to otherwise mitigate the "harm" to the neighbor. In the third article, Akhundzada has instructed municipalities and other institutions under the control of the current government to oversee construction to prevent the installation of windows that have views into neighboring houses. It continues: "Those buildings that were constructed before this decree was issued and whose windows are installed in a manner that contradicts the provisions of this decree, the owners of those buildings are required to mitigate harm to their neighbors by constructing a wall of human height or through any other means." It is worth noting that since the current government's takeover of Afghanistan, more than 80 restrictive decrees against women have been issued. In the third year of the current government's rule, Hibatullah Akhundzada ratified the law on Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice with an introduction, four chapters, and 35 articles, emphasizing that this law must be implemented throughout Afghanistan. Articles three and thirteen of this law impose restrictions on women. According to these articles, women are required to cover their entire body and even their faces and to refrain from raising their voices or appearing in public places without adhering to hijab. Furthermore, the Minister of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice had previously announced that even hearing women's voices during prayer is not permissible for one another.

The United Nations Security Council has called for the repeal of the decree on "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" by the interim government of Afghanistan, as well as the order to close health institutes to girls. In a statement issued today (Saturday, December 28), the organization urged the current government to fully respect the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. The statement emphasized that the current government should not provide shelter to terrorist groups on Afghan soil and should combat them. These decisions were made during a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan held on December 12. The UN Security Council stressed: "Members of this council express concern over the dire economic situation and obstacles to humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and call for the removal of these barriers." The council also demanded the release of the assets of Afghanistan's central bank. Additionally, the UN Security Council highlighted in part of its statement that drug cultivation in Afghanistan has provided financial support to terrorist groups that threaten global and regional security, and this issue must be addressed as soon as possible. Council members emphasized the effective role of the United Nations in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan and called for engagement with the current government through the Doha process. This comes at a time when the current government has consistently dismissed the international community's concerns regarding these issues as baseless. It should be noted that during more than three years of their rule, the current government has prohibited girls above sixth grade from education, closed university doors to women and girls, barred women from working in most government offices and all foreign institutions, restricted women's access to recreational parks, and recently denied women and girls education in medical institutes as well.

Officials from the Ministry of Public Health of the caretaker government have announced that 72% of people in rural areas of Afghanistan do not have access to primary and secondary health services. In a statement, the ministry noted that out of a total of 400 districts, there are hospitals in only 93 districts across the country. It further mentioned that health services in remote areas of Afghanistan have not been adequately addressed in recent decades. The Ministry of Public Health emphasized that due to the lack of hospitals in villages, patients often seek treatment for many minor health issues at health centers in provincial capitals. The ministry has announced plans to expand services in remote regions, stating that funding for the construction of 318 hospitals in the districts has been allocated by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the current government. The construction process will begin after the completion of legal and administrative procedures. According to information provided by the Ministry of Public Health, there are currently 13,000 hospital beds in the country, and with the construction of new hospitals, an additional 10,000 beds will be added. Additionally, the ministry has stated that 27,000 professional and administrative staff are expected to be hired for the new hospitals. The Ministry of Public Health has indicated that each hospital costs between 23 to 37 million Afghanis and will increase access to primary health services and the number of available beds. The ministry also clarified that contracts for five hospitals have been signed, and others are ready for contracting. It should be noted that maternal and child mortality rates have increased due to the lack of basic health services in remote areas of Afghanistan. Recently, the Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministry of Public Health claimed in a press conference in Kabul that Afghanistan does not face a shortage of female health workers. Mohammad Hasan Ghiyasi, Deputy Minister for Policy at the Ministry of Public Health, commented on the consequences of banning medical education for women in Afghanistan, stating that nearly 30,000 midwives are present in the country. This comes at a time when the caretaker government has also closed health institutes to women and girls.

Officials at the Ministry of Information and Culture of the caretaker government have announced that the current government has introduced alternative work opportunities for singers and local musicians in Afghanistan. They can engage in composing religious poetry (Naat) and producing Islamic songs. Khabib Ghafran, spokesperson for the ministry, stated to the media that artists and singers can now collaborate fully with the caretaker government in composing Naat (religious poetry) and producing Islamic songs. Mr. Ghafran emphasized, "Our departments have contacted individuals who used to sing and considered themselves artists, inviting them to come and utilize their talents in areas that do not conflict with authentic Afghan culture, particularly in composition, Naat writing, and producing Islamic songs." He added that the Ministry of Information and Culture supports art forms that "do not contradict authentic Afghan culture and Islamic law." The spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture asserted that Afghanistan has strong artists and singers in the fields of song, poetry, and recitation. Khabib Ghafran further mentioned that what was previously referred to as music or singing, which was part of Afghan culture, unfortunately, represented a misdefinition of music, and authentic Afghan culture does not necessitate support for it. It is worth noting that the caretaker government considers music to be forbidden and has banned it in Afghanistan, confiscating and destroying musical instruments multiple times. All those involved in this artistic field have also lost their livelihoods. It remains unclear whether artists have approached this ministry for collaboration; however, most of them claim that the current government does not have a positive view of singers and musicians. Mirmufton, a local singer and a prominent figure in Afghan music known for his unique style, is one of those who has remained in the country since the current government came to power again in Afghanistan. This famous local singer has nearly abandoned his art and singing, stating he is now engaged in farming. Additionally, under the current government's rule in Afghanistan, there are no concerts, music programs in the media, or musical performances at personal and family events. Many artists report feeling isolated and have little hope for the future. A significant number of artists have been forced to leave Afghanistan. Some have migrated to Iran, while others have gone to Pakistan. Some music professionals from Afghanistan have moved to other countries, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, India, and Western nations.

Following the government's restrictions on the education of girls and women, the Education Department of Herat Province has prohibited the education of girls above the sixth grade in training courses. This letter, a copy of which has been provided to the Goharshad media outlet, was sent by the Education Department of Herat Province to educational centers on "Tuesday, 24th of December." The letter, signed by Mawlawi Rahmatullah Jabir, head of education in Herat, states: "According to the decision of the Support Commission for the approved regulations and the order for enjoining good and forbidding wrong in Herat dated 16 December and the decree of the Amir al-Mu'minin dated 4th of Wray, teaching students above the sixth grade in the female section is suspended until further notice." The Education Department in Herat has requested educational centers to ensure the implementation of this directive. The letter states that according to the order of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of the current government, education for girls above the sixth grade in public and private schools and training institutes is suspended until further notice, and this order also applies to educational courses. Additionally, a responsible person from one of the educational centers in Herat told Goharshad media that these centers have been instructed both verbally and in writing not to enroll female students above the sixth grade anymore. Despite schools being closed to girls above the sixth grade, these girls were previously learning English or school subjects in training courses. It is unclear whether these new restrictions are only being enforced in Herat or if they apply to other provinces as well. This comes at a time when the Department for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong had previously warned educational center officials in Herat not to allow women wearing mantos (long coats) to enter. Earlier this month, the activities of women-only cafes were halted due to the presence of women without hijabs and warnings from the enforcers of good and forbidding wrong. On 13 November last year, enforcers raided several educational centers in Herat, pulling students out of their classes and sealing off the doors of these centers. Despite the closure of schools and universities, girls were allowed to study at health institutes until a few weeks ago, but those institutes have also been closed to them now.

The World Health Organization has announced that decades of war and instability in Afghanistan have exposed many citizens to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In a report, the organization stated that these mental health problems have exacerbated the widespread drug crisis in the country, which now affects one in three families. The report mentioned that Rosa Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), along with Lisa M. Butenheim, Assistant Secretary-General for Support Operations, and representatives from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, visited a treatment and rehabilitation center for women and children in Kabul. This center, which operates with financial support from the European Union, provides comprehensive medical and educational services to women and children affected by substance abuse. After the visit, Ms. Otunbayeva stated, "I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the women and children here. This center is a symbol of the power of hope and international cooperation that gives these individuals a chance for recovery and a better future." She emphasized the vital role of international support in addressing the drug crisis in Afghanistan. Achievements and Challenges The report indicated that in 2024, the center had accepted 640 women and children, provided treatment for 602 individuals, and followed up with over 900 others. The report noted that in the women's section, educational programs such as sewing and vocational training are being implemented to help women acquire self-sufficiency skills during their recovery process. According to the report, over the past two years, these organizations have provided medical and educational services to more than 170,000 people, with 87,558 individuals participating in awareness programs. Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime announced that opium production in Afghanistan increased by 30 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to this office's statistics, despite a directive from the Taliban leader, 433 tons of opium were produced in Afghanistan this year.

The ban on Afghan women's employment in domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has reached its two-year mark under the interim government. Two years ago, the Ministry of Economy issued a letter prohibiting women and girls from working in NGOs and organizations. On December 24, 2022, the Ministry of Economy of the interim government declared in a written statement that the work of women and girls in all NGOs, including United Nations offices, was banned. The letter stated that if institutions defied this order, their operating licenses would be revoked. Following this government decision, several humanitarian organizations suspended their activities in Afghanistan, while others reduced their operations. This current government's ban, alongside women's unemployment, has led to an increase in domestic violence, mental health issues, rising poverty, and has disrupted aid delivery to those in need over the past two years. This action by the current government has sparked strong reactions from aid organizations and human rights entities over the past two years as well. Additionally, some women who lost their jobs due to the current government's ban say they have faced numerous economic challenges over the past two years and have no means to support their families. Halima, one of these women, states that poverty and the illness of her parents have soured her sweetest years of youth. She and her sister were the sole breadwinners for their family of seven. Halima, a resident of Herat province, says: "My sister and I were the only ones paying for the expenses of our five sisters, father, and mother; but for two years now, we have both been unemployed. My father is also sick. Our living conditions had improved for two years because we studied hard for years to escape poverty and misery; but when we were told we could no longer work, we are currently suffering from economic problems and as dignified women, we do not know how to provide for ourselves." Furthermore, during more than three years of their rule, the current government has prohibited girls above the sixth grade from education, closed university doors to women and girls, barred women from working in most government offices and all foreign institutions, restricted their access to recreational parks, denied them the right to travel without a male guardian, and most recently deprived women and girls of education in medical institutes.

The United Nations Development Office has recently announced that it has supported over 80,000 women-led small businesses in Afghanistan. In a message posted today (Sunday, December 23) on its X account, the office stated that women-led businesses have created jobs for 900,000 people and benefited more than 4.5 million individuals. While the United Nations Development Office reports support for 80,000 women-led small businesses in Afghanistan, women and girls in the country face severe restrictions from the caretaker government and are barred from working in government and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the current government has prohibited certain businesses run by women, including women's hairdressing. This comes at a time when women and children bear the brunt of the economic crisis in the country. Furthermore, after regaining control over Afghanistan, the caretaker government banned girls above the sixth grade from attending school and subsequently closed university doors to girls as well. In its latest action, the current government has also prohibited girls from studying in medical institutes, thereby completely depriving them of access to formal education.

Greek authorities have recently announced that the victims and survivors of the capsized boat in the waters of Greece are citizens of Afghanistan. International media, citing Greek officials, reported that this incident occurred on Friday, December 20, on the eastern island of Rhodes, near the Turkish border. The Associated Press reported that the boat capsized as a result of a maneuver by a ship trying to escape from a patrol vessel, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. Additionally, the Greek Coast Guard stated yesterday that a total of 18 migrants (12 men, three women, and three minors), all of whom are Afghan citizens, were rescued. It has also been reported that the deceased were from Afghanistan. Officials mentioned that some of the migrants were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Two Turkish citizens, aged 12 and 19, were arrested as suspected traffickers. The report noted that the Greek Coast Guard is searching for survivors or additional victims. The sinking near Rhodes marks the second deadly incident involving migrant drownings in the past week. According to Greek government information, it is expected that the number of migrants traveling illegally to Greece this year will exceed 60,000, with Syrians making up the largest group, followed by Afghan citizens, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians. Afghan citizens make their way to Turkey for migration to Europe, primarily traveling through Greece to reach European countries.