The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Friday called on Taliban leadership to end violence against women and the “broader deterioration of women’s rights” in an efforts to establish a sustainable peace in the country.
In a press statement to Khaama Press, UNAMA made the call at a time the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
Since the takeover last August, Women in Afghanistan have had many of their most fundamental rights restricted in a country that has one of the highest rates of violence against women globally.
Afghan women have also experienced a “marked deterioration” in access to coordinated, comprehensive and quality services for survivors of gender-based violence.
“The fundamental rights of Afghan women need to be protected and concrete steps need to be taken for an enabling environment which is free from all forms of violence,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
“Protecting the rights of women is a crucial factor for stability, prosperity and any lasting peace in Afghanistan” said Otunbayeva, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).—KP
