A young man in Herat province has launched a mobile bookstore called “Book Messenger” (Payk-e Ketab) in an effort to promote a culture of reading and make access to books easier for the public. Ghulam Farooq Mahmoudi has invested 500,000 Afghanis and collected around 2,000 books to establish a mobile library named “Book Messenger.” Through this initiative, he delivers books directly to readers’ homes, aiming to encourage reading and provide easier access to books. In a video shared online, he can be seen transforming his vehicle into a mobile library, equipping it with shelves similar to those found in public libraries. This mobile library not only accepts book orders online but also travels to different neighborhoods across the city, delivering books right to people’s doorsteps. Mahmoudi says that people visit public libraries less frequently, and his method helps make reading more accessible. Meanwhile, a number of cultural figures in Herat emphasize the importance of supporting booksellers and describe this initiative as an effective step toward promoting a reading culture among the public. Officials at the Herat Department of Information and Culture also state that they support cultural initiatives and are working to promote reading, especially among young people. Abdul Mateen Adel, Head of Culture and Arts at the Herat Department of Information and Culture, says: “One of our ongoing efforts is to promote and expand a culture of reading among the people, and we always support individuals who strive in this direction.” According to booksellers, in recent years, the widespread use of the internet and social media, economic challenges faced by families, and difficulties confronting young people have led to a decline in book sales in Herat. There is no comprehensive data available on reading rates in Afghanistan. UNESCO reports that Afghanistan’s literacy rate in 2022 was approximately 37.3 percent; this figure was 22.6 percent for women and 52.1 percent for men. Additionally, since returning to power, the de facto authorities have closed girls’ secondary schools, leaving around 2.2 million girls deprived of secondary education.

Pakistani media recently reported that Farishta Khani, a female athlete from Afghanistan in the sport of boxing, has become the champion of Pakistan's national boxing competitions. Reports indicate that these competitions were recently held in Hyderabad, Sindh province, with the participation of athletes from various provinces of Pakistan. The national boxing competitions in Pakistan lasted for about a week and featured athletes from over 20 provinces and regions of the country. Farishta Khani announced her achievement of winning the gold medal in these competitions by posting several photos on her Instagram account. In her message, she stated that she participated in the 50 kg weight category and successfully defeated all her opponents to secure the gold medal. This athlete triumphed over three opponents to ultimately claim first place and wear the gold medal for herself and Afghanistan. Additionally, Farishta Khani was also crowned champion of the mixed martial arts competitions in Pakistan last summer after achieving four consecutive victories. She competed in the 47.6 kg weight category in those events. Farishta Khani trains at the Fajr Boxing Academy in Quetta, Pakistan, under the guidance of renowned boxing coach Bismillah Nasir. It is worth noting that the caretaker government in Afghanistan has banned the participation of women and girls in all sports disciplines. Following this restriction, all women's sports teams in the country have been dissolved.

Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has recently stated that the country is striving to enhance access for women, children, and persons with disabilities to health and nutrition services in Afghanistan. On the occasion of World Health Day, Mr. Lindsay expressed his appreciation for the vital role of partners in delivering health services in Afghanistan through a message posted on his X account. He emphasized that under the leadership of World Vision Afghanistan and with the support of the UK, comprehensive and safe health and nutrition services are being provided to the most vulnerable groups. In part of his message, the UK Special Representative added that these efforts aim to increase access to health and nutritional care for vulnerable individuals in Afghanistan. It should be noted that access to health services in Afghanistan has been restricted in recent years due to various limitations, and many individuals, including women, face significant health challenges. Afghanistan is among the countries with a high maternal and neonatal mortality rate. The lack of health facilities, limited access to specialized training, and the considerable distance from villages to treatment centers pose serious challenges in providing services to pregnant mothers. In many areas, women give birth at home or in small clinics, and midwives often work with minimal resources and without immediate access to specialized guidance.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recently reported that at least 92 people have died in mine and explosive-related incidents in Afghanistan in 2025, with another 375 injured. In a statement, the committee noted that at least 66% of the victims and those affected by these explosions are children. On the occasion of International Mine Awareness Day and support for explosive ordnance clearance operations, the ICRC stated that it recorded at least 217 explosive ordnance incidents across Afghanistan last year. The report further highlighted that mines and unexploded ordnance from past conflicts continue to threaten the lives of citizens. According to United Nations data, Afghanistan is one of the three countries most contaminated by explosives in the world. The ICRC report indicated that one-third of explosive-related incidents occurred in eastern Afghanistan during this year. Additionally, it stated that 48% of these incidents took place in western regions, while 34% occurred in southern areas. Last year saw the fewest incidents of mine and explosive explosions in northern provinces. The ICRC described the casualties resulting from explosive ordnance in Afghanistan as alarming. The organization added that for every fatality, approximately four others are injured, many of whom face disabilities and require long-term care. Furthermore, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, called on the international community to invest in ongoing mine clearance and unexploded ordnance operations on this day. He emphasized that Afghanistan remains among the countries most severely affected by mines and remnants of war explosives globally.

The international child protection organization, Save the Children, has recently reported that, on average, one child in Afghanistan is killed or injured every day due to explosive materials. In a published report, the organization stated that between January 2025 and January 2026, 338 children were killed or maimed as a result of explosive munitions, including remnants of war such as landmines and other explosive devices. The report indicated that during this period, children constituted nearly 70% of the total casualties from explosive materials. Save the Children emphasized that Afghanistan has the highest rate of child casualties from explosive materials in the world, with 43% of all children killed or injured globally since 1999 being from this country. The report noted that over 2.7 million people in Afghanistan live within one kilometer of explosive remnants of war, and nearly five thousand contaminated areas remain uncleared. Additionally, Save the Children mentioned that most of these explosives are located in pastures, areas where nomadic populations, particularly Kuchis, reside. According to the organization, many Kuchis travel hundreds of kilometers each year with their livestock and camels in search of water and grazing land, while having limited access to essential services such as health care, education, and protection. This organization has launched mobile educational programs to raise awareness among children in remote areas. Moreover, Bojar Hoja, the head of Save the Children in Afghanistan, stated that remnants of war are still scattered throughout the country, putting children at risk in their play and work environments.

On the 1,659th day of the closure of schools for girls above the sixth grade across Afghanistan, the organization "Afghanistan Rights Monitor" has once again called for the lifting of this ban. In a message posted on its X account, the organization stated that the ban on girls' education continues; a ban that has deprived millions of Afghan girls of their right to education and the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Afghanistan Rights Monitor, criticizing the continuation of this situation, has called for advocacy for the education of girls above the sixth grade and emphasized in part of its message: "Raise your voice." Additionally, in another message, the organization stated: "The ban on girls' education in Afghanistan still continues, and Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are systematically deprived of education." This comes as, with the start of the educational year 1405, girls above the sixth grade have been denied the continuation of their education for the fifth consecutive year. It should be noted that the current government, after taking control of Afghanistan, has deprived women and girls of education. Furthermore, in its latest restriction, it has closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan is facing a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of female students being unable to receive an education. In addition, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs as well as even at UN offices in Afghanistan.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently announced that by providing targeted financial packages, it is helping Afghan women and girls expand their businesses. In a post shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the organization highlighted the story of a women-led business called “Jasmin Nursery,” which, after receiving a $10,000 grant and a $7,500 loan, has achieved significant growth. This business, based in Balkh province, focuses on producing handicrafts, including headscarves, clothing, bags, and other items. With financial support from the European Union, UNDP has launched a women’s empowerment program that supports small women-owned businesses. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of supporting women’s businesses in Afghanistan at a time when the current government, since taking control of the country, has restricted women and girls from education. As a result, millions of schoolgirls have been deprived of education. In addition, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public bathhouses, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

UNAMA, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, has recently announced that 80% of the victims of mine explosions and unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan are children. In a message posted on its Facebook account on Wednesday, April 2, the organization stated that Afghanistan ranks third in the world for casualties caused by explosive materials. UNAMA further emphasized that nearly 50 people are killed or injured each month as a result of explosions from munitions and mines left over from the war in Afghanistan, with approximately 80% of them being children. The statement noted that almost every day, at least one incident occurs, and there is a high likelihood that the victim will be a child. The UN political office in Afghanistan highlighted that nearly 90% of these incidents are caused by explosions of unexploded munitions and other remnants of war from the past four decades. UNAMA reported that over 1,000 square kilometers of land contaminated with explosive materials have been identified. Approximately 900 educational institutions and more than 200 health centers are located within one kilometer of these contaminated areas. The organization stated that a lack of funding is the biggest obstacle to demining efforts. Additionally, the United Nations has repeatedly called for immediate funding to clear Afghanistan of threats posed by explosive remnants of war.