Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a sobering briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, highlighted the Taliban’s stringent enforcement of Islamic law and cultural norms, which have led to unprecedented restrictions on women and girls across the country. Otunbayeva detailed how Afghanistan is approaching nearly 1,200 days without girls having access to formal education beyond the sixth grade, resulting in a systematic erasure of women and girls from nearly all aspects of public life. A recent Taliban decree prohibiting women from attending medical institutions threatens to cripple the nation’s healthcare system, endangering not only female students but also the broader population’s access to medical care. Otunbayeva condemned the Taliban’s “Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law, which has intensified surveillance in public spaces, including NGOs, mosques, bazaars, and even private events like weddings. This strict segregation has severely limited women’s participation in business and adversely affected their mental health and family wellbeing. Additionally, men are increasingly targeted for not adhering to specific grooming standards, such as maintaining beards or avoiding Western-style haircuts. The crackdown extends to the media, where journalists and media workers face growing restrictions that undermine their ability to foster an informed and vibrant society. Otunbayeva referenced a report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), noting that public debate, especially on women’s rights, is increasingly stifled due to limitations on political parties and civil society activities. Complementing her concerns, Tom Fletcher, the UN Relief Chief, emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis gripping Afghanistan, with nearly half the population living in poverty. This year’s extreme weather events have displaced thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and devastated crops and homes, while over half of Afghans lack access to essential healthcare services. Hunger and food insecurity affect one in three people, and malnutrition rates are alarmingly high and rising. Fletcher described Afghanistan as the second-largest humanitarian crisis globally, following Sudan, and called for urgent international assistance. He urged the Security Council to increase funding for humanitarian operations, reduce aid obstructions, and support critical sectors such as agriculture and healthcare. Emphasizing the resilience of the Afghan people, Fletcher stated, “They have not lost hope. They continue striving for their rights and futures. As they navigate this tough period, we must stand in solidarity with them.” The UN’s call to action underscores the urgent need for global support to address the multifaceted challenges facing Afghanistan today.
