Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged Afghanistan’s de facto rulers to immediately rescind a number of laws that restrict the rights of women and girls, citing both the “terrible, cascading effects” on their lives and the dangers they pose to the stability of Afghan society, a press release reads.
According to Türk, no nation can grow socially or economically if more than half of its people are left behind. In addition to making everyone in Afghanistan suffer more, these inexplicable limitations on women and girls, pose a threat outside of Afghanistan’s borders.
In accordance with Afghanistan’s commitments under international law, he urged the de facto authorities to assure the respect and protection of all women’s and girls’ rights to be seen, heard, and to participate in all facets of the social, political, and economic life of the nation.
The de facto authorities issued an order prohibiting women from working for NGOs on December 24. They had already put a stop to girls attending secondary school and women attending universities till further notice.
According to the High Commissioner, this most recent decision by the de facto authorities will have severe effects on women and the entire Afghan population.
The right of women to make a meaningful contribution to the development of their nation and the welfare of their fellow citizens will be taken away from them and their families if they are prohibited from working in NGOS.
For many people in Afghanistan, NGOs and humanitarian organizations provide essential life-saving services, including food, water, shelter, and healthcare. Some crucial programs, including pre- and post-natal and baby care, are solely carried out by women. These NGOs employ a large number of female employees, and many of the organizations have female leaders. They play a crucial role in helping the UN and other organizations deliver their development and humanitarian programs across the nation.
