UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has recently announced that it and its partners have distributed educational materials to four million children in Afghanistan. Tajuddin Owyala, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan, reported via a message on X that these contributions have also supported the reconstruction of 232 schools. He further emphasized that these efforts have created better environments for the education and growth of children across Afghanistan. Mr. Owyala added, "Every child deserves a safe place to learn and the tools to build their future." UNICEF announces these educational contributions at a time when approximately two million girls are unable to attend school due to the restrictions imposed by the caretaker government. It should be noted that the current government, after taking control of Afghanistan, has deprived women and girls of education. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the healthcare sector across Afghanistan is facing a shortage of personnel. In addition, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reported that one mother in Afghanistan loses her life every hour due to preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. In a message posted on its X account, the organization stated that, with the support of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), it has launched a program to expand health services for women and children across Afghanistan. The statement continued that these services include training hundreds of health workers, improving women's access to quality healthcare, and establishing specialized services for the treatment of childbirth complications. The World Health Organization emphasized that high blood pressure, severe infections, and complications during childbirth are among the leading causes of maternal deaths in Afghanistan. The organization added that most of these cases are preventable with appropriate and timely healthcare. It is worth noting that Afghanistan is one of the countries facing a high rate of maternal and neonatal mortality. The lack of healthcare facilities, limited access to specialized training, and the significant distance from villages to healthcare 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 limited resources and without immediate access to specialized guidance.

The United Nations Population Fund has stated that supporting midwives is the most effective way to save the lives of mothers and their newborns in Afghanistan. On this occasion of International Day of the Midwife today (Tuesday, May 5), the organization mentioned that this support can expand access to prenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal care. In its report from last June, the organization warned that due to a severe reduction in international funding, the health of mothers and access for millions of Afghan citizens to vital health services are at serious risk. The organization indicated that approximately 6.3 million people in Afghanistan, the majority of whom are women and girls, will no longer have access to essential health care. The United Nations Population Fund further emphasized that hundreds of health centers in remote areas and mobile clinics across Afghanistan have been forced to close due to budget shortages. The International Day of the Midwife is celebrated by the World Health Organization and the International Confederation of Midwives to honor the vital role these medical professionals play in maternal and newborn health, reducing mortality rates, and providing health education. The aim of this day is to raise awareness about the critical role of midwives in community health, reduce maternal and newborn mortality, and celebrate their efforts. According to reports, limited access to primary health care due to a shortage of skilled midwives in remote parts of Afghanistan continues to pose a threat to the health of mothers and newborns. Additionally, from 2024 onwards, the education of girls and women in midwifery has also been prohibited.

As the economic crisis continues and restrictions on women's work increase, the United Nations' Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan has emphasized the urgent need for job opportunities and support for small business creation for women and girls in Afghanistan. In a statement, the organization called for greater attention to the livelihood needs of women and girls in Afghanistan. The UN Trust Fund quoted a woman named Rahila, who said, "I have no job. All I want is an opportunity to work or start a small business." The organization added that Rahila's story reflects the situation of many families and women in Afghanistan who are facing economic challenges and limited job opportunities. It further emphasized that with the provision of appropriate conditions, there is potential for improving circumstances and creating change in the lives of these individuals. Additionally, the organization stressed the importance of supporting internally displaced persons, returnees, women, girls, youth, and people with disabilities, noting that the creation of local and innovative solutions could help establish small businesses and rebuild communities. It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan has faced a widespread economic and humanitarian crisis in recent years. Unemployment, reduced income opportunities, and an increasing number of internally displaced persons are among the main challenges. International organizations have repeatedly highlighted the necessity of supporting livelihood and development programs, especially for women and vulnerable groups. While the UN emphasizes women's entrepreneurship, the current government has deprived women and girls of education after taking control of Afghanistan. Recently, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This government's action has resulted in millions of female students being unable to access education. Moreover, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both domestic and international NGOs, as well as even in UN offices in Afghanistan.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has warned that the situation for female journalists in Afghanistan has become significantly more difficult. Today (Sunday, May 3), Mr. Bennett posted a message on his X account stating that female journalists in Afghanistan are facing discrimination, travel restrictions, and mandatory dress code requirements. He reiterated the necessity of supporting journalists, especially female journalists, and ensuring their job security. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan further emphasized that in just 2025, the Afghanistan Journalists Center recorded at least 32 cases of journalists being detained, indicating that pressures on the media continue to increase. He also mentioned the censorship of books and publications and the restriction of access to information, stating that journalists even face punishment for their activities on social media. It is worth noting that during its over four years of rule, the interim government in Afghanistan has imposed restrictions and detained dozens of journalists, staff members, and media activists.