Afghan women in burqas walk towards a safer place after their house was damaged following a deadly magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan. — Reuters

UN Warns of Growing Risks

The United Nations urged the Taliban on Sunday to lift its ban on Afghan women working in its offices. The agency said the restriction puts life-saving services at risk. The ban continues to disrupt critical humanitarian work.

Women Face Expanding Restrictions

Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, Afghan women have lost access to most jobs. They have also been barred from parks, beauty salons, and education beyond age 12. In September, the Taliban extended restrictions and blocked female staff from entering UN buildings.

UN Calls for Immediate Reversal

Susan Ferguson, the UN Women representative in Afghanistan, demanded a reversal. “We call for the ban on Afghan women staff and contractors to be reversed,” she said. She added that women must have safe access to offices and field missions. She stressed that continued restrictions threaten essential humanitarian services.

Hundreds of Workers Affected

The UN did not reveal the number of affected staff. However, internal sources said several hundred women now face the ban. For three months, teams have worked remotely. They continue to support earthquake victims and Afghan migrants returning from Pakistan and Iran.

Women Essential for Aid Delivery

Ferguson described female staff as indispensable. “Only through their presence can we reach women and girls safely,” she said. Their work ensures culturally appropriate and effective assistance.

Taliban Offers No Response

The Taliban did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The silence adds to concerns among aid groups.

Aid Agencies Forced to Scale Back

In September, the UN refugee agency suspended cash support for returning Afghan migrants. The agency said it could not interview or verify more than half of the returnees because they were women. As a result, families lost access to crucial assistance.

Conclusion

The UN continues to push for a reversal of the ban. The agency warns that without Afghan women, humanitarian relief cannot reach millions in need. The future of essential programs depends on restoring women’s access to the workplace.

Source Link

Read more at: www.un.org

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