The UK Foreign Office has recently announced that Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, has called on the interim government not to cut off internet access for the Afghan people.
In a statement released by the ministry, it was said that Richard Lindsay made these remarks during his visit to Kabul. The statement added that the UK envoy traveled to Afghanistan in October and met with ministers and officials of the current administration during the trip.
According to the statement, Mr. Lindsay discussed a range of issues during his visit, including regional stability, humanitarian assistance, internet access, and the rights of women and girls.
Richard Lindsay further emphasized: “This visit was an opportunity to engage constructively with ministers and officials of the current government on important issues. The UK remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan and has allocated £4 million in emergency aid and up to £151 million for humanitarian support this year.”
During his trip, he also raised concerns with government officials about the impact of internet shutdowns, which have disrupted vital services and isolated communities, urging authorities to maintain internet access.
The statement added that he expressed his concerns regarding the rights of women, girls, and ethnic and religious minorities, and highlighted the importance of an inclusive government and constructive participation in the Doha process led by the United Nations.
The UK envoy’s remarks in defense of women’s and girls’ human rights come as the current Afghan authorities, since taking power, have banned women and girls from education. Most recently, the government closed medical institutes to female students, despite the country’s healthcare system facing severe staff shortages.
This action has left millions of school-aged girls deprived of education.
Furthermore, women have been prohibited from attending gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working for domestic and international NGOs — including United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
Severe poverty and the ongoing humanitarian crisis have also forced many families to forgo purchasing school supplies for their children.
