UNAMA’s Call to the Taliban Government: Immediately Reverse the Systematic Undermining of Women’s Rights

Bayan News – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, stated that ongoing discrimination by the Taliban has worsened the situation for women across all aspects of life.

UNAMA and the UN Women’s Agency issued a joint statement today, Monday (November 25), urging the Taliban to take immediate action to end violence against women and girls.

The UN body highlighted the rising violence against women and stressed the need to reverse the systematic erosion of women’s rights and fundamental freedoms by the Taliban, which it said is fueling such violence.

The statement read: “Afghanistan continues to experience high levels of violence against women, which have worsened due to ongoing discrimination in all aspects of life. With the dismantling of structures supporting gender equality in the country, access to comprehensive and quality services for survivors of violence has become severely limited, even as the demand for such services has increased.”

Rosa Otunbayeva, head of UNAMA, emphasized: “We are at a critical juncture for the women and girls of Afghanistan. Immediate action is needed to ensure justice and to end violence against women and girls in Afghanistan.”

The UN official noted that Afghan women are demonstrating significant resilience and courage in their fight for dignity and freedom amidst ongoing challenges.

Otunbayeva also highlighted the vital support women’s organizations across the country are providing to those who have experienced violence, while communities and religious leaders are challenging harmful social norms.

Meanwhile, Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Representative for Afghanistan, stated: “The fact that Afghan women and girls have fewer rights today than previous generations is a stark reminder of the urgency of their struggle and the need for increased global efforts to support them. We must invest in their resilience, leadership, and empowerment.”

The joint statement by UNAMA and UN Women reaffirmed that violence against women is unjustifiable anywhere in the world, including Afghanistan. The UN in Afghanistan reiterated its firm commitment to addressing the needs of women and girls who have been victims of violence, amplifying their voices, and defending their rights.

UNAMA also announced a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, which will run until December 10, coinciding with Human Rights Day.

On the other hand, the Taliban’s interim government has so far not responded to this occasion.

Since coming to power, the Taliban government has implemented restrictive measures that severely limit the political, social, and cultural participation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

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