UN Women has reacted to the restrictions against women and girls, stating that Afghan civil society and women are systematically targeted by the caretaker government.
In a published report, the organization indicated that Afghanistan is currently facing an “unprecedented women’s rights crisis,” with the current government specifically attacking women’s rights activists.
The report mentions that the policies and assaults of the caretaker government on the rights of women and girls have led to an increase in suicide rates among this demographic.
UN Women emphasized that the current government has imposed severe restrictions on organizations supporting women and girls and has consistently suppressed their peaceful gatherings and protests.
It added that the government has systematically and intentionally removed women from society and public spaces.
UN Women stated: “The systematic repression of the rights of women and girls, arbitrary arrests, and threats against activists have rendered many organizations unable to provide essential services.”
UN Women also noted that during the three years of the current government’s rule over Afghanistan, the organization has consistently worked towards empowering active women.
While UN Women supports the rights of Afghan women and girls, the caretaker government has, since its return to power in Afghanistan, deprived girls above sixth grade of education and subsequently barred female students from attending public and private universities as well as private educational institutions.
It should be noted that the current government’s restrictions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being unable to receive education. Additionally, over the past three years, many boys have been forced to leave education due to economic challenges.
The United Nations and the international community have repeatedly called for the lifting of bans on women’s rights to education and work in Afghanistan over the past three years; however, the caretaker government has so far ignored these demands.
Moreover, women have been prohibited 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.
The current government has repeatedly stated that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan are upheld according to Islamic law.
