رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد, نویسنده در رسانه گوهرشاد

Author: رسانه‌ای گوهر شاد

3 weeks ago - 71 Visits

UNICEF: 3.7 Million Children in Afghanistan at Risk of Malnutrition

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has warned that as Afghanistan approaches the peak of the hunger season, 3.7 million children under the age of five in the country are at risk of malnutrition. In a report, the organization has called for immediate action to prevent the worsening of this crisis across Afghanistan. UNICEF emphasized that food and nutrition insecurity is one of the main factors contributing to the increase in malnutrition among children in Afghanistan. The United Nations Children's Fund added that protecting the diets of young children, especially those under two years old, and strengthening preventive services should be prioritized. The report titled "Too Little, Too Late: The Crisis of Young Children's Diets in Afghanistan" states that for the first time, the status of child malnutrition and experiences of food insecurity among a common group of children across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan have been assessed simultaneously. UNICEF's findings indicate that reduced dietary diversity, skipped meals, and hunger among children are some of the early signs of entering a malnutrition crisis. According to this report, the state of malnutrition has worsened in 26 provinces of Afghanistan compared to the year 2025, and this deterioration occurred before the onset of the peak hunger season, which lasts from July to September. UNICEF states that children under two years old are the most affected, constituting 83% of severe acute malnutrition cases and 77% of moderate acute malnutrition cases. Tajuddin Owyala, UNICEF's representative in Afghanistan, mentioned that young children have been increasingly exposed to malnutrition even before the peak hunger season began. He stressed that reduced meal frequency and the elimination of nutritious foods are warning signs that need to be addressed before they lead to severe malnutrition. UNICEF has warned that the outbreak of diseases, low vaccination coverage, lack of drinking water, weak healthcare services, and reduced humanitarian aid budgets have exacerbated the malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan. The organization has called on the international community to provide immediate funding to support preventive nutrition programs, especially for children aged 6 to 23 months and pregnant women, to prevent the spread of malnutrition and its deadly consequences.

3 weeks ago - 95 Visits

Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to fully respect women's rights.

Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, called on the interim government of Afghanistan to fully uphold the fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls, including the right to education, employment, and participation in society. Speaking on the sidelines of the ninth conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministers on women in Islamabad, he stated that ensuring these rights is entirely consistent with the teachings of Islam. The ninth OIC conference on women began on Sunday, July 13, in Islamabad. During this meeting, officials and representatives from member countries are discussing ways to strengthen the status of women in Islamic societies. Ishaq Dar emphasized the role of women in the development of countries, stating, "Nations are built by the advancement of their women." He also considered gender equality and the full participation of women as fundamental to development and stability, adding, "Investing in women is a smart investment for an entire nation." This comes at a time when the current government, since its return to power in August 2021, has systematically stripped Afghan women and girls of their fundamental rights and freedoms through widespread restrictions. Several human rights organizations and women's rights advocates have described these policies as a form of "gender apartheid." Girls are barred from education beyond the sixth grade. Women are not allowed to study at universities and have been prohibited from working in government offices, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies. These restrictions have faced widespread criticism from the United Nations, Islamic countries, and the international community. Many governments and international organizations consider improving the situation of women's and girls' rights as a prerequisite for engaging with the current government.

3 weeks ago - 107 Visits

UN Population Fund: Flood-Affected Women in Afghanistan Need Psychological Support

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recently stated that women affected by flooding in Afghanistan are facing not only physical and financial losses but also extensive psychological and social consequences. In a report, the organization noted that access to counseling services, safe spaces, and essential items plays a crucial role in helping women and girls return to normal life. The UNFPA highlighted the situation of women affected by floods in Baghlan, stating that providing psychosocial support services and essential aid is a fundamental part of the humanitarian response to crises caused by natural events in Afghanistan. The report mentioned that women who lose their homes, assets, or family members due to flooding face serious psychological trauma, anxiety, shock, and difficulties in continuing their daily lives, in addition to economic and livelihood challenges. The UNFPA added that access to services such as psychological first aid, counseling, safe spaces, and dignity kits can help women cope with the consequences of the crisis, restore relative stability to their lives, and resume the process of rebuilding their lives and supporting their families. The report indicated that these services are being provided to women and girls in several flood-affected areas, including Baghlan, with the support of the Civil Protection Agency and humanitarian assistance from the European Commission. It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and has witnessed devastating floods, droughts, and other severe weather events in recent years. These events have displaced thousands of families and left widespread damage. International organizations have repeatedly warned that women and girls in Afghanistan are more adversely affected by the consequences of climate change than others.

3 weeks ago - 90 Visits

World Health Organization: 22 Million People in Afghanistan Need Humanitarian Assistance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently announced that more than 22 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance, and budget shortages have seriously threatened millions' access to health services. In a statement, the organization noted that among those in need, 14.4 million require health services. It further stated that since the beginning of 2026, approximately 150 health centers supported by humanitarian agencies have either halted or ceased operations due to budget constraints. The WHO also indicated that the "Health Cluster" response plan for 2026 is facing severe funding shortages, with only 17% of the required budget secured by the end of June. The organization emphasized its commitment to supporting Afghanistan's health priorities, including primary care, polio eradication, vaccination, disease surveillance, and other essential health services. The WHO added that continued support from the international community is crucial for maintaining health sector achievements and ensuring millions of Afghans have access to life-saving medical services. It is noteworthy that the maternal mortality rate in the country stands at 521 per 100,000 live births. This comes as Afghanistan's health system has faced extensive challenges for decades, including a lack of healthcare centers, specialist doctors, and medications. In many remote provinces of the country, healthcare facilities are still nonexistent.

3 weeks ago - 207 Visits

ICC on the Brink of Extending Budget for Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team

The BBC News Network has reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is on the verge of extending the budget for the Afghanistan women's cricket team. According to BBC sources, a special working group responsible for overseeing this project convened at its annual meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, and recommended continued financial support for the team. The report states that Imran Khwaja, the deputy chairman of the ICC, is expected to formally present this proposal at the upcoming meeting of the council's board. The proposal reportedly has the backing of the cricket boards of England, Australia, and India, which is why it is not anticipated to face serious opposition from board members. Additionally, these three entities are calling for the ICC to take a greater share in funding and resources for this program and to play a more active role in its advancement. Sources have told the BBC that one of the topics under discussion is the duration of this financial support. Although a final decision has not yet been made, it is likely that the budget for this team will be extended until 2032, providing players with long-term support. However, the sporting future of the team remains uncertain. According to the BBC, the ICC board is also set to review a document prepared by Clare Connor, the chair of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee. This document suggests that the Afghanistan women's team be allowed to participate in official international competitions. As reported by the BBC, this matter is considered one of the most sensitive cases for the ICC because, on one hand, the organization is in contact with officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, which operates under the current caretaker government, and on the other hand, there are concerns about the potential implications of such a decision on the future of men's cricket in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, bringing up the issue of official participation for the Afghanistan women's team at the board level is seen as an important step toward initiating further discussions about the future of this team. Members of the Afghan women's refugee cricket team, now based in Australia, have repeatedly urged the ICC in recent years to recognize them as an international team and ensure sustainable financial support. Last month, they also requested a "clear response" regarding their future from the organization. The team left the country following the return of the current government to power in 2021 and is currently living and training in Australia.

3 weeks ago - 82 Visits

United Nations: 120 Million Women Worldwide Are in Need of Humanitarian Assistance

The United Nations has recently announced that since the beginning of 2025, at least one million women and girls around the world have lost access to vital services and support due to conflicts and crises. In a statement, the organization noted that out of every ten women's organizations operating in humanitarian crises, four expect to be forced to shut down within the next twelve months. The statement highlighted that nearly 120 million women and girls globally are in need of humanitarian aid and support. The United Nations emphasized that local women's organizations, which are best positioned to reach and support women and girls, are facing severe financial resource shortages; many of these organizations operate in areas where international entities cannot be present or active. Conflicts and humanitarian crises continue in various parts of the world, from Asia to Africa and Europe. In Afghanistan, tens of thousands of women and girls have been affected by border conflicts between government forces and Pakistan, as well as humanitarian crises resulting from earthquakes. According to previous concerns raised by international organizations, particularly the United Nations, conflicts and earthquakes have limited women's access to healthcare services and humanitarian assistance.

3 weeks ago - 100 Visits

Rubab Fatima Appointed as New Head of UNAMA in Afghanistan

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has appointed Rubab Fatima, a Bangladeshi diplomat, as the new head of UNAMA (the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan) and his special representative for Afghanistan. The United Nations announced in a statement that Rubab Fatima will succeed Rosa Otunbayeva in this position. Rubab Fatima has over three decades of experience in diplomacy, human rights, development, and peacebuilding. Previously, she served as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and as the organization's High Representative for Least Developed Countries. In 2020, she chaired the Executive Board of UNICEF and in 2022, she became the first woman to head the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission. From 2019 to 2022, Rubab Fatima was Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and had also served as her country's ambassador to Japan. She takes on the leadership of UNAMA at a time when Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis, economic challenges, the return of refugees, and issues related to engagement with the international community. Additionally, since taking control of Afghanistan, the interim government has deprived women and girls of education and schooling. In its latest restriction, it 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 schoolgirls being unable to access education. Furthermore, women have been banned from going to gyms, 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. According to reports, if this prohibition continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

3 weeks ago - 75 Visits

Ninth Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Women to Be Held in Pakistan

The ninth meeting of the Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on women will take place tomorrow (Sunday, July 11 ) in Pakistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has announced that this meeting will continue for two days in Islamabad. The Ministry of Human Rights of Pakistan has also stated that 190 representatives from 57 member countries of the OIC will participate in this meeting. The announcement mentioned that the purpose of holding this meeting is to "advocate for rights, strengthen political and economic participation, and support the empowerment and presence of women in the digital world." The Ministry of Human Rights emphasized that representatives from Islamic countries are expected to discuss "strategies to increase women's political and professional participation, expand their access to economic resources and financial services, and reduce the gender gap in the technology sector." In a message posted on Facebook by the Ministry of Human Rights of Pakistan, the tricolor flag of Afghanistan is also visible among the participating countries. The interim government has not yet expressed its stance regarding their participation or non-participation in this meeting. Last year, Pakistan also hosted a similar meeting, but government leaders did not attend. The previous meeting was titled "International Conference on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities," and organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO were present. This meeting emphasized the necessity of women's and girls' access to education rights.

3 weeks ago - 103 Visits

UNICEF: Afghanistan Has Made Significant Progress in the Fight against Polio

Tajuddin Owais, a representative of UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund), recently announced that Afghanistan has made significant progress in the fight against polio, but efforts to eradicate the disease continue. Mr. Owais posted a message on his X account stating that during his visit to Kandahar, he met with children and families who participated in polio vaccination programs. He emphasized that ensuring every child has access to the vaccine brings Afghanistan one step closer to a polio-free future. UNICEF has expressed gratitude for the support of partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative for vaccination programs in Afghanistan. Additionally, UNICEF has consistently highlighted the importance of efforts to deliver vaccines to all children to prevent the resurgence of this disease. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries in the world where the wild poliovirus is still endemic. The report indicates that since the beginning of this year, Afghanistan has recorded six cases of polio, while Pakistan has reported three cases. In 2025, Afghanistan had reported 21 cases and Pakistan 31 cases. The report also notes the continued circulation of the virus in the environment. According to these statistics, Afghanistan has recorded 34 positive environmental samples so far in 2026, while Pakistan has reported 90 positive samples. Environmental monitoring involves testing wastewater samples to detect signs of poliovirus transmission. This data shows a decrease compared to 2025, when Afghanistan recorded 94 positive environmental samples and Pakistan recorded 651 positive samples. The World Health Organization stated that one of the recent polio cases in Afghanistan was identified through tracking contacts with the patient, highlighting the importance of surveillance systems in detecting the transmission chain of the virus.

3 weeks ago - 99 Visits

European Union: Hunger Crisis in Afghanistan Has Arrived

The "European Union Humanitarian Aid Office for Asia and the Pacific" has warned about the hunger crisis in Afghanistan, stating that the crisis has arrived in the country. In a message posted on their X account, this organization called for global attention to the hunger crisis in Afghanistan. The office emphasized that border closures, disruptions in supply chains, deteriorating livelihoods, and reduced humanitarian funding are exacerbating the food and nutrition security crisis. The "European Union Humanitarian Aid Office for Asia and the Pacific" added that the world must take action with increased funding and solidarity to address the hunger crisis in Afghanistan. Additionally, two days ago, OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan, also reported that while the crisis in Afghanistan may no longer be headline news, its impact is felt daily by millions of families. OCHA noted that many families in Afghanistan are struggling to meet their basic needs. This comes as humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the suspension of U.S. aid funding to relief agencies in the country. Earlier this year, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stated that due to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, it requires $350 million in funding to continue its lifesaving operations over the next six months. The World Food Programme had previously warned that halting or further reducing aid could push more children and mothers into acute malnutrition and make families vulnerable to economic and climate shocks. The report indicated that in many areas of Afghanistan, families are facing severe difficulties in securing their daily food, with many lacking any source of income.