50,000 Women and Girls in Eastern Afghanistan Face Increased Risk of Gender-Based Violence

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women has announced that approximately 50,000 women and girls in conflict-affected areas of Afghanistan, particularly in the eastern regions, are facing an increased risk of gender-based violence. Their access to healthcare and other essential services has also become increasingly restricted. According to the agency, ongoing insecurity and existing limitations have placed women and girls in these areas under serious threat, preventing them from safely accessing medical centers, support services, and aid programs. This situation has raised new concerns regarding the protection and well-being of women in vulnerable regions. The UN Women entity emphasized that gender-based violence typically rises in crisis settings, and the lack of adequate access to support services exacerbates these risks. This comes amid widespread restrictions on social life and women’s access to various services following the Taliban’s takeover of the country, which has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Experts believe that the continuation of this situation could have long-term consequences on the physical and mental health of women and girls, calling for the urgent attention of responsible bodies and the provision of unhindered access to essential services in these regions.