UN Official Warns of Rising Violence Against Women in Afghanistan
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has raised concerns over the alarming increase in violence against women and girls in Afghanistan, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 25, Bennett said Afghan women and girls deserve the support of the international community and the right to live with dignity. He stressed that the continued violence against them must not be accepted. Emphasizing that “access to justice is not a privilege, but a fundamental right,” Bennett expressed his regret over the current situation of women in Afghanistan.
Bennett also labeled child marriage and forced marriage as “crimes” and called for their immediate end. These practices have reportedly increased in some areas of the country since the Taliban came to power.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that violence against Afghan women has risen by 40 percent over the past two years. According to UNAMA, more than 14 million Afghan women and girls currently require immediate protection and humanitarian aid.
The Taliban administration, which has excluded women from education, employment, and participation in public decision-making, has faced strong criticism from international human rights organizations. The United Nations has called for an end to discriminatory policies and the restoration of basic rights for women and girls in Afghanistan.
