KABUL (SW) – Violence against Afghan women and girls jeopardizes their enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms at one of the most critical times in the modern history of the country, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said on Wednesday.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW), the United Nations in Afghanistan called on everyone to increase efforts to prevent and redress violence against women and girls, particularly in the context of the outbreak of COVID-19.
The International Day kicked off the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which culminates on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This year’s EVAW theme – “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” – is focused on accelerating concrete policy responses to gender-based violence in the context of COVID-19 and promoting zero tolerance of gender-based violence across all spheres of society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated key risk factors for violence against women and girls, such as food shortages, unemployment, economic insecurity, and school closures. Worldwide, there has been an alarming increase in multiple forms of violence against women and girls, and information indicates that Afghanistan is no exception.
The consequences of violence against women and girls are multiple and grave, including physical, sexual, and psychological impacts which prevent them from fully participating in society.
“Violence against women and girls has negative consequences not only for survivors, but also for their families, communities, and society. It is an impediment to the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and efforts towards peace,” said Deborah Lyons, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
“In Afghanistan, violence against women and girls jeopardizes their enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms at one of the most critical times in the modern history of the country”, stated Ms. Lyons, who is also head of UNAMA.
The NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Stefano Pontecorvo expressed the Alliance’s support for Afghan women on this occasion. In a statement, he said: “Some of the strongest women I have met are Afghan. Afghanistan is also one of the hardest place to be a women”.
Measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus have also raised additional barriers and increased risks for survivors seeking help. Where services exist, many survivors of violence are often unable to seek support due to movement restrictions, disruption of services, and limited opportunities to seek help.
“For millions around the world, home became the safe space to protect us from a deadly virus. But for too many women and girls, home became the place where they found themselves trapped with their abusers”, said Aleta Miller, UN Women Representative in Afghanistan.
ENDS
