The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has stated in its latest report that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan “continues to deteriorate.” It warned that restrictions on education, employment, and participation in public life undermine fundamental human rights and the country’s future.
In a statement released on Friday, 24 October, marking United Nations Day and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, the mission said Afghanistan is currently facing deep and complex challenges. The humanitarian crisis in the country remains one of the most severe in the world, with about two-thirds of the population in need of humanitarian assistance.
The statement also stressed that declining financial support threatens the ability to meet urgent needs and sustain life-saving aid operations in Afghanistan.
UNAMA added that, alongside challenges such as climate change, droughts, floods, and environmental degradation, the return of millions of refugees from neighboring countries has further intensified the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.
According to the mission, it continues to engage with all stakeholders to support inclusive governance, protect human rights, and strengthen international support for the Afghan people.
Indrika Ratwatte, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and the Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, reaffirmed that the UN “will remain alongside the people of Afghanistan.”
UNAMA also called on the international community to cooperate in building “a peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Afghanistan.”
These remarks come as the interim authorities in Afghanistan continue to ban girls’ education beyond grade six and prohibit women from working. The government has also imposed severe restrictions on women’s and girls’ freedom of movement and participation in public life.
