KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the United Nations has called on the Taliban to take immediate action to end violence against women and girls in the country.
Since their takeover in August 2021, the Taliban has issued over 100 edicts and directives stripping women and girls of their most basic human rights and opportunities, effectively excluding them from public life.
Education beyond sixth grade is banned, many job opportunities have been eliminated, and basic freedoms such as visiting parks or traveling unaccompanied by male mahram are restricted. The situation is worsened by a rise in female suicides, forced marriages, domestic violence, and the lack of institutions to address women’s grievances.
The UN call comes amidst rising concerns about the systematic erosion of women’s rights and freedoms, which has contributed to the alarming levels of gender-based violence under the current regime.
The International Day marks the start of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aligning with Human Rights Day. Despite this global focus, Afghanistan continues to experience high rates of violence against women, exacerbated by widespread discrimination and the dismantling of gender equality structures.
Roza Otunbayeva, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, stated, “We are at a critical juncture for the women and girls of Afghanistan. Immediate action is needed to bring justice and end violence.”
Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, stressed the devastating rollback in women’s rights: “Afghan women and girls have fewer rights today than previous generations, highlighting the urgency of international support for their struggle.”
UNAMA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women and girls, especially survivors of violence, through local organizations, prevention programs, and advocacy. The UN continues to push for a future free from violence and urges the international community to take action to address the ongoing crisis.
