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.

The United Nations has recently stated that the continuation of restrictions on girls' education and women's employment in Afghanistan could have a devastating impact on the country's future. Day (Saturday, May 2), in response to a UNICEF report, the UN warned through a message on its X account that as a result of these restrictions, over 25,000 female teachers and health sector workers may be lost in Afghanistan. The UN emphasized that the existing restrictions on women's education and work not only have social consequences but also cause significant economic damage to Afghanistan. This comes as UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, previously reported that if these restrictions continue, around 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 health sector workers will be lost in Afghanistan by 2030. The report noted that the reduction of women's presence in educational and health sectors could seriously negatively affect the quality of children's education and health services in the country. While the UN warns of ongoing restrictions, the interim government has deprived women and girls of education since taking control of Afghanistan. Recently, 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 receive education. Additionally, women have been banned 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 UN offices in Afghanistan.

The British Embassy for Afghanistan has recently warned that the continuation of restrictions endangers the future of all people in Afghanistan. In response to a recent UNICEF report about the decline in the number of female teachers and health workers in Afghanistan, the embassy stated in a message on its X account that the information provided by the United Nations Children's Fund is concerning and indicates the long-term damage caused by restrictive policies in Afghanistan. The British Embassy emphasized that restrictions on girls' education and women's work threaten the future of all Afghans and that these limiting actions must be lifted as soon as possible. This comes as UNICEF warned yesterday (Tuesday, April 27) that ongoing restrictions on girls' education and women's work in Afghanistan could lead to a shortage of more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by the year 2030. Since taking control of Afghanistan, the caretaker government has deprived women and girls of education. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan is facing a personnel shortage. This government's action has resulted in millions of girls being unable to receive an 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 NGOs, and even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, has recently warned that ongoing restrictions on girls' education and women's work in Afghanistan could lead to a shortage of over 25,000 female teachers and health workers in the country by 2030. In a report published today (Tuesday, April 28), the organization stated that these restrictions are currently depriving children of education and health services and negatively impacting the economy and essential services. The report noted that over one million girls have been deprived of their right to education since the ban on secondary education was imposed by the interim government in 2021, and if this situation continues, this number could rise to over two million by 2030. The report highlights that Afghanistan is facing a dual crisis; on one hand, it is losing skilled female professionals, and on the other hand, the opportunity to train a new generation to replace them is limited. UNICEF further stated that by 2030, approximately 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female health workers may be lost. The report also mentioned that the reduction in the number of female health workers could limit women's access to healthcare services, particularly in maternal and child health. UNICEF emphasized that the restrictions on women's education and work are causing an annual loss of about $84 million to Afghanistan's economy. While UNICEF criticizes the current government's restrictions, it is important to note that since taking control of Afghanistan, the 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, even as the health sector across Afghanistan faces a personnel shortage. This government's action has resulted in millions of female students 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 in UN offices in Afghanistan.

Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, condemned Pakistan's recent attacks on targets in Afghanistan, including the Syed Jamaluddin Afghan University in Kunar, stating that he views these attacks as "part of Pakistan's policy to destroy the roots of education and development in Afghanistan." In a message posted on his X account, Mr. Karzai noted that previous attacks by Pakistan had already deprived students in the village of "Brekot" in the Nari district of Kunar province of their education. The former president emphasized: "I urge the United Nations to seriously investigate, condemn, and promptly stop Pakistan's military attacks on our people, land, and national facilities." It is worth mentioning that local officials of the caretaker government in Kunar province have confirmed that Pakistan targeted the university in this province and other sites in its center and some districts with rocket attacks. Local officials reported that at least seven people were killed and 75 others, including 30 students, were injured in these attacks. The Ministry of Higher Education also confirmed the attack on Kunar University, stating that it caused extensive damage to the building and environment of the university. As of now, the identities and genders of the victims and the injured have not been disclosed. This comes as border clashes between the two sides have continued for two months. However, the intensity of these clashes has decreased in recent days. The United Nations had reported that more than 70 civilians had lost their lives in the first two weeks of border clashes in eastern Afghanistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently stated that the commitment of mothers can play a crucial role in saving children's lives in Afghanistan. In a message posted on its X account, the organization emphasized the importance of children's access to vaccinations. The WHO highlighted "Goljan," one of the mothers, as an example who, despite the long distance to a health center, has made efforts to fully vaccinate her child. The organization further stressed that many mothers in Afghanistan, despite challenges such as distance, poverty, and limited access to health services, continue to strive for the health of their children. This comes at a time when access to health services in parts of Afghanistan remains limited, and international organizations have repeatedly emphasized the need to expand vaccination programs, especially for children. The distance from health centers in Afghanistan has resulted in many children and women being deprived of lifesaving health services; a situation that has made Afghanistan one of the deadliest countries for women and children. The United Nations has consistently highlighted the importance of ongoing international cooperation to strengthen Afghanistan's health system and provide essential services to those in need. It is worth noting that Afghanistan is among the countries facing high maternal and infant mortality rates. The lack of healthcare facilities, limited access to specialized training, and the significant 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.