UNAMA and UN Women call on Afghan authorities to implement the law to eliminate violence against women

Date:

KABUL, 20 May 2013 - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and UN Women have urged Afghan authorities to step up their efforts to ensure the full implementation of the law on the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW), in line with their international commitments.

“Progress in implementing the EVAW law contributes to deterring harmful practices and protecting women from violence in their daily lives,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, Jan Kubiš. He added that the law is critical, not just for women and girls, but for all of Afghan society. The international community also has firm expectations of the Government on increasing respect for women’s rights which can affect the assistance it provides to the country.

“I call upon the Afghan Government and Parliament to fully respect and defend the fundamental rights of women and girls by ensuring that the EVAW law is respected and implemented,” said the UN Women representative in Afghanistan, Ingibjorg Gisladottir. “It is imperative for the development of Afghanistan that women are able to exercise their rights and be free from violence in their homes and workplaces.”

To read the full statement, click here »