The Taliban have been urged by the UN mission in Afghanistan to take immediate action to stop violence against women and the general erosion of women’s rights as a crucial component of attempts to forge a meaningful and long-lasting peace.
The request was made at the same time as the globe observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.” In Afghanistan, a nation with one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, many of the most fundamental rights for women have been curtailed or eliminated since the summer of 2021.
“The fundamental rights of Afghan women need to be protected, and concrete steps need to be taken for an enabling environment that is free from all forms of violence,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. “Protecting the rights of women is a crucial factor for stability, prosperity, and any lasting peace in Afghanistan” said Otunbayeva, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The severe humanitarian and economic crisis, as well as restrictions on women’s fundamental rights, such as the freedom to move around, work, pursue an education, and participate in public life, are said to be aggravating factors, according to the UNAMA statement.
According to the UN mission, these elements have combined to strengthen some long-standing social norms that support the use of violence as a method of discipline and control, normalising violence against women and girls in the process.
The underlying social norms that support inequality have gained strength in the absence of laws and policies that defend and advance gender equality and women’s rights, as well as the introduction of decrees and edicts that contribute to the systematic exclusion of women from public and political life.
“Each day we continue to see the normalisation of violence against women and girls, in their homes, places where they are allowed to work, online, and in public spaces,” said Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Representative in Afghanistan.
“Globally, we know it is impossible to create an environment where women and girls are free from violence without also having specific interventions to empower them, including initiatives to support their voice, agency, and participation in the decisions affecting their lives. We need to renew our efforts to invest in both the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Afghanistan.”
An annual global campaign called the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began on November 25 and runs through December 10—International Human Rights Day. In order to end gender-based violence everywhere, it calls for global action to raise awareness, bolster advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations.