NRC: Engagement with Afghan Authorities Key to Restoring Women’s Rights
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has stated that restoring human rights for Afghan women and girls requires engagement with the caretaker government of Afghanistan.
Jan Egeland, the head of NRC, has called on the international community to engage with the current Afghan authorities and increase their support for principled humanitarian aid.
He added that the lack of engagement by many countries with Afghanistan’s caretaker government not only results in the imposition of further restrictions but also increases migration.
Egeland stated: “Restoring human rights for women and girls requires engagement with the Afghan authorities. More seminars in Western capitals will have little impact. We urge the international community to engage with the authorities in Afghanistan, like we do, and increase their support for principled humanitarian assistance, for which the authorities must create an enabling environment. Many countries’ continued disengagement with authorities in Afghanistan is only enabling more restrictions and suffering for the women, girls and families here – many of whom see no option but to risk their lives on perilous journeys.”
Regarding this issue, Nageena Daneshjoo said: “Considering the problems we Afghan girls face, along with immense stress and anxiety, we urge the Islamic Emirate to take more serious action regarding the situation of Afghan girls.”
Women’s rights activist Bahara Ataee also stated: “If engagement takes place, countries must ensure that these interactions lead to the strengthening of human rights, especially the rights of Afghan women and girls, with a primary focus on their basic needs.”
During his visit to Afghanistan, Egeland warned that after decades of conflict, crippling economic collapse, and devastating climate shocks, the country is not prepared to accommodate millions of people who may face deportation from neighboring countries in the coming months.
Former diplomat Aziz Maaraj said: “Human rights must be upheld in Afghanistan, especially women’s rights regarding work and employment, and schools should be reopened for Afghan girls. Unless this issue is resolved, further problems will arise in Afghanistan, affecting the economic, social, migratory, and even political and security sectors.”
The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on these statements by the Norwegian Refugee Council. However, it has previously emphasized its desire to maintain good relations and expand engagement with all countries worldwide.
