Sima Bahous, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of its Women’s Division, states that achieving peace in Afghanistan is impossible without the meaningful and inclusive participation of women and girls in political processes.
Ms. Bahous made these remarks at a United Nations Security Council meeting regarding the situation in Afghanistan, noting that since she began her role as Executive Director of the UN Women’s Division, conditions for Afghan women and girls have worsened, and not a single one of the restrictions imposed by the interim government has been lifted.
She emphasized, “In the midst of this escalating crisis, the pleas of Afghan women and girls to the international community not to forget them have often gone unanswered.”
She added that despite numerous Security Council resolutions supporting female aid workers and their unhindered access to women in Afghanistan, the ability of the UN and its partners to provide services to women has been severely undermined.
Additionally, this UN official mentioned that the current government’s restrictions have made “the safe employment of female aid workers and even access to affected women more difficult than ever.”
Sima Bahous expressed her commitment to supporting Afghan women, stating that this international organization will do everything in its power to help these women overcome endless limitations.
Ms. Bahous also referred to the recent Afghanistan Gender Index report published by UN Women last week, indicating that one-third of the country’s population, particularly women and children, face malnutrition and hunger.
She described the restrictions against the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls as more than just a crisis, labeling it as “harmful to a generation.”
The Executive Director of UN Women warned that Afghan women and girls must not be marginalized, asserting that the legitimacy and sustainability of any agreement or outcome depend on their meaningful, safe, full, and equal participation.
She further urged the Security Council to actively support ongoing efforts to hold the current government accountable.
