The “unfathomable restrictions” on women’s rights could cause Afghanistan to become unstable

• news by AUN News correspondent
• Tuesday, December 27, 2022
• AUN News – ISSN: 2949-8090

Summary:

• The High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “No country can develop or even survive if half of its people are left out of society and the economy.

• In line with their international responsibilities, he asked the de facto government to “respect and protect” the rights of all women and girls to be present, heard, and involved in all parts of Afghanistan’s “social, political, and economic life.

• “Refused to work December 24, the de facto government banned women from working for non-government organizations (NGOs). This latest order came after girls and women were told they couldn’t attend high school until “further notice.

• “The High Commissioner said that if women couldn’t work for NGOs, they and their families wouldn’t get paid, and they wouldn’t be able to affect the growth of their country or the well-being of their fellow people.

• “violent threat High Commissioner was very worried that women and girls would be more likely to be victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence if the number of poor people in Afghanistan kept increasing.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “No country can develop or even survive if half of its people are left out of society and the economy.”

I think these strange restrictions on women and girls are not only bad for everyone in Afghanistan, but they also pose a threat outside the country.

In line with their international responsibilities, he asked the de facto government to “respect and protect” the rights of all women and girls to be present, heard, and involved in all parts of Afghanistan’s “social, political, and economic life.”

Refused to work

On December 24, the de facto government banned women from working for non-government organizations (NGOs).

This latest order came after girls and women were told they couldn’t attend high school until “further notice.”

The High Commissioner said that if women couldn’t work for NGOs, they and their families wouldn’t get paid, and they wouldn’t be able to affect the growth of their country or the well-being of their fellow people.

A ripple effect

For many people in Afghanistan, NGOs and humanitarian groups provide essential life-saving services, including food, water, housing, and healthcare, as well as crucial programs like pre- and post-natal and baby care, which women only deliver.

There are many NGOs, and many of them are led by women. They work closely with the UN and other organizations to make sure that national humanitarian and development programs are carried out.

Mr. Türk pointed out that the ban would make it hard, if not impossible, for these NGOs to provide the essential services that so many poor Afghans depend on.

“It is even more upsetting because Afghanistan is in the midst of winter, when we know that there are greater than usual humanitarian needs and that the work done by these NGOs is even more vital.”

violent threat

The High Commissioner was very worried that women and girls would be more likely to be victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence if the number of poor people in Afghanistan kept going up.

He emphasized that “women and girls cannot be denied their inherent rights.”

The de facto authorities will fail in their attempts to silence and hide them, which will only worsen the lives of all Afghans and slow the country’s progress. Such policies are in no way justifiable.