UN Human Rights Council Meeting Focuses on Afghan Women’s Limited Access to Health Services
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold a meeting in Geneva in a few hours, with its main focus on the situation of Afghan women and girls’ access to health services. Richard Bennett, the Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, is set to present his latest findings during this session.
Mr. Bennett announced that the meeting will take place on Thursday, 7th Hoot, at 1:00 PM Kabul time. In his report, he addresses the restrictions faced by women in accessing healthcare services.
According to the report, Afghan women are not allowed to visit health centers or receive medical care without being accompanied by a mahram (a male guardian), a restriction that severely limits their access to essential healthcare. These limitations are imposed despite the fact that equal access to health services is a fundamental human right.
The Special Rapporteur also noted that some officials in the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health lack the necessary expertise and experience in medical practice. This has raised concerns about the quality of health sector management and its consequences on the lives of citizens, particularly women and girls.
Today’s Human Rights Council meeting takes place amid ongoing international criticism of the Taliban government’s widespread restrictions on women’s rights, including access to education, employment, and social services.
