UNAMA Tells Security Council Restrictions on Women Undermine Aid Efforts in Afghanistan

UNAMA Tells Security Council Restrictions on Women Undermine Aid Efforts in Afghanistan
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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) warned the UN Security Council that restrictions on women imposed by the Taliban are worsening the humanitarian crisis and undermining international aid operations in the country.

According to UNAMA, policies limiting women’s participation are hindering humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

Georgette Gagnon said during a Security Council briefing that restrictions introduced by the Taliban are prioritizing ideological policies over the welfare of the population. She noted that bans preventing women from participating in humanitarian work are limiting the ability of aid agencies to reach vulnerable communities.

Gagnon said Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has deteriorated due to declining international funding, growing humanitarian needs, and the return of large numbers of migrants. She added that major cities are facing increased pressure as economic decline and repeated climate shocks have weakened households and contributed to new displacement.

According to UN officials, humanitarian organizations have requested about $1.71 billion in funding this year to assist approximately 17.5 million people, but only about 10 percent of that amount has been secured.

The Taliban banned Afghan women from working in UN offices about six months ago, a move the United Nations says significantly restricts aid delivery, particularly to women in need.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have also barred women from many government and non-government jobs and prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade.