Six months since Afghan women staff prevented from entering United Nations premises across the country
Statement by UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson
Date:
Kabul, Afghanistan – On the eve of International Women’s Day, the United Nations reiterates its call for the immediate reversal of the ban on Afghan women staff and contractors entering United Nations premises.
Six months have now passed since the de facto authorities (DFA) in Afghanistan imposed the restriction – an unprecedented step in the 80-year history of the United Nations.[1]
During that time, our Afghan women colleagues have consistently shown their leadership, professionalism, and resolve, serving the people of Afghanistan despite these unprecedented constraints.
The reality remains clear: the United Nations and its partners cannot safely reach Afghan women and girls, or provide assistance that is culturally appropriate and responsive to their needs, without Afghan women being able to carry out their roles fully and without obstruction. Assistance must be delivered by women, to women.
UN agencies, funds and programmes are implementing regular operational adjustments to maintain principled and essential activities.
However, we continue to stress that the longer these restrictions remain in place, the greater the risk to these life-saving services.
This International Women’s Day, we stand with Afghan women and reiterate our call for the immediate reversal of this ban.
Contact:
Ann-Marie Wilcock
Head of Communications, UN Women Afghanistan
E: [ Click to reveal ]
[1] UN Security Council Resolution 2681 (2023)