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KABUL (SW): The United Nations Assistance Missions in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said that the escalation in conflict continues to take a heavy toll on Afghan civilians, and Afghan women in particular, with a 37 per cent increase in women casualties in 2015 compared to 2014.
In line with the International Women’s Day, UNAMA said in a communiqué that in Afghanistan, the last decade has seen significant progress in the promotion of gender equality, most notably in constitutional guarantees on non-discrimination, the enactment of the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law criminalizing harmful traditional practices.
It added that the continued prevalence of violence against women and harmful practices stemming from pervasive discrimination continues to be of serious concern. In 2015, the UN observed increased incidents of targeting, threats and intimidation of women in public life across the country, particularly those outspoken activists promoting women’s rights.
“Sustaining the gains made and promoting women’s rights are a must for Afghanistan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and, more specifically, to make the goal of 50-50 by 2030 a reality,” said Elzira Sagynbaeva, UN Women’s Afghanistan Country Representative.
Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said that women must be able to participate actively in all political, social and development initiatives across the country, including in any peace processes.
The UN envoy, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).said the world body remains committed to advancing women’s meaningful participation in building sustainable peace and security.
ENDS
