The United Nations Development Programme has recently announced that the Taliban government's restrictions on the work of women and girls have reduced Afghanistan's Gross Domestic Product by approximately two billion dollars and decreased the per capita income of households by nearly 50%. In a published report, the agency stated that despite extensive restrictions, most women entrepreneurs remain committed to continuing their economic activities. The report noted that the employment rate for women in Afghanistan in 2023 was only seven percent; however, increasing restrictions on women's employment and mobility have made small businesses one of the few sources of livelihood for about 80 percent of female-headed households. It further stated that from 2022 until now, approximately 80,000 women-owned businesses have benefited from training, financial assistance, access to new markets, energy, and digital services; support that has led to the creation of over 400,000 job opportunities. The UN Development Programme emphasized that women and girls' businesses in Afghanistan have not only generated income but have also become spaces for empowerment, solidarity, psychological support, and the expansion of women's professional networks. In a survey of more than 600 women-owned companies, the agency found that the implementation of the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" law in 2024 has made women's economic activities more difficult. According to this survey, nearly half of the women reported that this law has increased their business costs and mobility restrictions, while more than a quarter of respondents mentioned strict limitations regarding dress code and gender segregation. Despite these challenges, 76 percent of women entrepreneurs stated that they intend to continue their activities, with only six percent indicating a likelihood of closing their businesses. The report also mentioned that difficulties in accessing bank loans, lack of collateral, unregistered assets in women's names, and insufficient skills in finance, marketing, and management are among the main obstacles to the growth of women's businesses in Afghanistan. This comes at a time when the current government, since regaining power in August 2021, has imposed extensive restrictions on education, employment, and the social presence of women. International organizations have repeatedly warned that these policies not only violate women's rights but also have severe consequences for Afghanistan's economy and have brought women's participation in the labor market to its lowest level in recent years.

On the occasion of the International Day of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently announced that women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan are models of resilience. This organization shared stories from several Afghan women entrepreneurs on its X account, stating that despite all the hardships, they remain examples of resilience and perseverance. Mozhgan Mohammadi, a mother of five who manages a tailoring company in Herat, told the UNDP, "I am proud to have built this company." The UNDP added that Ms. Mohammadi also oversees a community center rebuilt by the European Union and the organization in the village of "Deh Mir Sad" in the Pashtun Zarghun district of Herat. Previously, the UNDP stated that it continues to support micro, small, and medium enterprises in Afghanistan. While this organization emphasizes support for women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan, the current government has deprived women and girls of education and training since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, even as the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This government's action has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to continue their education. Additionally, 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 in UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The organization Doctors Without Borders has recently announced that the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition seeking treatment at therapeutic nutrition centers in southern Afghanistan has alarmingly increased. In a report, the organization stated that the reduction in international aid, ongoing droughts, and disruptions in the supply of therapeutic foods are among the main factors exacerbating the malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan. In a section of its report, Doctors Without Borders added that from January to April 2026, the number of children with severe malnutrition hospitalized in facilities supported by Doctors Without Borders in southern Afghanistan has increased by more than 30% compared to the average during the same period over the past three years. The report noted that most of these children are under one year of age. Additionally, Ana Lilia Banda, the medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan, stated: "Children come to us when their condition has become very serious and they are facing problems that could have been prevented." She emphasized that this situation indicates a worsening food insecurity and the collapse of early identification and treatment systems for malnutrition in the country. According to the report, the significant reduction in international aid since early 2025 has led to the closure or suspension of 445 health centers, including 203 mobile health and nutrition teams. She mentioned that these centers previously played a crucial role in the early identification of children suffering from malnutrition and in providing medical services. Doctors Without Borders has warned that repeated droughts, decreased agricultural production, and border closures due to regional tensions have further weakened food security and made access to specialized therapeutic foods for children more challenging. The organization has called on financial donors, health officials, and responsible institutions to quickly restore funding for nutrition programs in Afghanistan and ensure the supply of therapeutic foods and medical equipment. This organization has warned that if the current situation continues, more children will be deprived of life-saving services.

The mourning ceremonies for Ashura were held day (Friday, June 26) in several provinces of Afghanistan, widely attended by women, men, and children despite the restrictions imposed by the interim government in mosques and mourning halls. In the Shia-populated areas of Herat, including the Al-Mahdi neighborhood, the Andisheh neighborhood, and the Bakraabad region, people held mourning and chest-beating ceremonies. In Kandahar and Kabul, Shia communities also conducted mourning ceremonies in mosques and mourning halls. This year's Muharram mourning ceremonies, like in previous years, were accompanied by government restrictions. The current government cut telecommunications services in the capital early this morning. The Afghan Shia Ulema Council announced yesterday in a statement that the current government has arrested some mosque and mourning hall officials "for raising mourning symbols." The council's statement mentioned that the interim government has removed flags and mourning symbols from some mosques and Hussainiyas, "contrary to the agreements and resolutions of the designated committee for Muharram." Additionally, people criticized the government's restrictions and called for freedom and respect for religious ceremonies. Some political figures also issued condolence messages on the occasion of Ashura. Hamid Karzai, the former president, posted a message on his X account stating: "Imam Hussein, through a meaningful reform movement, aimed to correct social deviations and invited society to rectify affairs and actions. He stood firm until his last breath for awakening and instilling a sense of responsibility in the people against wrongdoing, leaving behind the historical epic of Karbala." He further emphasized: "The people of Afghanistan, like other Muslims, celebrate Ashura and the Hussaini movement, considering the love for the family of the Prophet Muhammad as a factor of unity and brotherhood among themselves, using this opportunity for reform, enlightenment, and strengthening unity and solidarity." Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation of the previous government, also stated in his message: "Ashura is one of the great and meaningful days in Islamic history, where the lofty values of faith, piety, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance against difficulties have found a lasting manifestation." He clarified: "This day calls Muslims to reflect on religious teachings, strengthen the spirit of solidarity, uphold justice, and adhere to human and Islamic principles." Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, said in a message: "Ashura taught us that standing against oppression is not only a choice but also a faith-based, human, and historical responsibility." It is worth mentioning that as of the publication of this news, there had been no message from officials or spokespersons of the current government regarding Ashura.

Amnesty International has reacted to the widespread restrictions and oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan, stating that the world must not forget Afghan women. In a message posted on its X account, the organization emphasized that the rights, dignity, and opportunities of Afghan women must remain at the center of global attention. Amnesty International further asserted that the rights of girls and women are human rights, regardless of where they are in the world. The organization noted that women and girls in Afghanistan have been banned from education beyond the sixth grade, from attending university, participating in recreational and entertainment programs on television, speaking at public gatherings, going to parks, and engaging in sports. Additionally, it stated that women in Afghanistan are not allowed to work in non-governmental organizations and cannot travel more than 72 kilometers without a male guardian. While this organization defends women's rights, the current government has deprived women and girls of education and learning opportunities since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, despite the healthcare sector across Afghanistan facing a shortage of personnel. This government's actions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being denied education and training. Moreover, women have been prohibited from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even at United Nations offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has emphasized the necessity of meaningful participation of Afghan women and girls in public life and political decision-making processes. In a statement issued on the occasion of International Women's Day in Diplomacy, the organization stated that the presence and voices of women and girls are vital for achieving sustainable peace, inclusive development, and a bright future for Afghanistan. UNAMA further stressed that ensuring meaningful participation of women and girls in public life and decision-making processes in Afghanistan remains a fundamental necessity. The organization reiterated the importance of providing equal opportunities for Afghan women and girls, stating that they should be able to receive education, lead, and play effective roles in all areas of society, including diplomacy and public services. It is noteworthy that International Women's Day in Diplomacy is celebrated annually on June 24, aiming to highlight the role of women in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international decision-making, as well as to promote their equal participation in international relations. The statement mentioned that female diplomats are not only participants in the field of international relations but also play significant roles as leaders, peace mediators, and advocates for equality, strengthening international cooperation, advancing peace, and shaping inclusive decision-making. The organization added that women contribute to creating a more just, stable, and sustainable world with their knowledge, experience, and perspectives, emphasizing the special importance of their presence in diplomatic and public spheres. It should be noted that the current government has deprived women and girls of education and schooling since taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women while the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to pursue education. Additionally, 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 non-governmental organizations, and even at UN offices in Afghanistan. According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.

The European Union has recently announced that it is allocating 20 million euros to assist returnees and displaced persons in Afghanistan through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In a statement, the EU indicated that this financial support comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to experience one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world, exacerbated by the high number of returns. Veronika Boscovic Pohar, the head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, stated, "The European Union remains committed to supporting the reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan and helping them transition from dependency to self-sufficiency." She emphasized that the EU's collaboration with the IOM plays a central role in this effort, noting that since 2022, the EU has contributed over 140 million euros to address the displacement crisis in Afghanistan. Moutia Maskoun, Deputy Head of the IOM Office in Afghanistan, remarked that the EU has been a long-standing partner of the organization in responding to displacement and the return of migrants to Afghanistan. She added, "At a time when millions of Afghan citizens are returning to communities that are already struggling with limited resources and services, this assistance enables the IOM to expand vital support, strengthen livelihoods, support small businesses, and increase access to essential services through social resource centers, helping returnees and host communities build a more resilient future." The EU further noted that its assistance will provide integrated support for returnees, internally displaced persons, and host communities through protective services, health care, psychosocial support, livelihoods, and recovery in high-return areas and provinces. Additionally, the EU delegation stated that this funding will support sustainable reintegration for returnees, particularly women and other vulnerable groups, by providing livelihood support, vocational training, and assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises. According to IOM statistics, from September 2023 to May 2026, over 6.04 million migrants have been expelled from Iran and Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan. The organization's data indicates that in 2025 alone, 2.8 million migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan and entered Afghanistan.