Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, states that the full participation of women and girls is essential for the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan’s future.
Mr. Lindsay has traveled to Kabul, where he met with officials from the interim government and numerous women and representatives from civil society. He emphasized the UK’s support for Afghan women and girls, particularly in the areas of education and social participation.
During these meetings, he highlighted that advancing the security, welfare, and participation of Afghan women and girls remains a key priority for the UK in Afghanistan.
The UK’s Special Envoy also expressed his concerns regarding humanitarian aid that has been halted due to the closed borders in Pakistan.
He warned that these delays have put over one million mothers and children in Afghanistan at risk of malnutrition, leading to widespread humanitarian consequences.
He called for efforts to reopen border crossings for humanitarian aid and stressed the importance of establishing a sustainable ceasefire to ensure safe and continuous access to humanitarian assistance for affected civilians.
Richard Lindsay stated, “This visit was an important opportunity to hear directly from Afghan women about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future.”
The UK’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan added that the voices of Afghan women and girls should play a role in shaping the country’s future and in ongoing engagement with the international community.
He emphasized that “the security, welfare, and full participation of women and girls are fundamental to the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan’s future. Creating opportunities for women to work and participate in all sectors is not only a matter of rights but an economic necessity for the country.”
