"A Dire Warning: 'Absolutely the Wrong Path' for Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs

A Dire Warning: "Absolutely the Wrong Path" for Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOsAs the international community continues to grapple with the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has sounded a stark warning about the country's latest move: revoking the licenses of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that employ Afghan women. This draconian measure, enforced by the de facto Ministry of Economy on December 26, poses devastating consequences.Catastrophic ConsequencesMr. Türk emphasized the far-reaching impact this decree will have on the delivery of critical humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, where more than half the population lives in poverty. NGOs are the lifeline for millions of Afghans, providing life-saving support to women, men, and children alike. By prohibiting Afghan women from working with both national and international NGOs, the de facto authorities are not only restricting their rights but also crippling the very organizations that keep people alive."This is Absolutely the Wrong Path"Mr. Türk's words serve as a stark warning against this deeply discriminatory decree. He urged the de facto authorities to reconsider their decision, highlighting the devastating impact it will have on the country's prospects for progress. "No country can progress - politically, economically or socially - while excluding half of its population from public life," he emphasized.Women's Rights under SiegeSince coming to power, Afghanistan's de facto authorities have been waging a war against women and girls. They have restricted their rights, prohibiting them from education, work, healthcare, and movement. These measures effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan's prospects for progress.A Call to Rethink the Path ForwardMr. Türk called on Afghanistan's leaders to rethink their course, not just for the sake of women and girls but for the future of the nation as a whole. He highlighted the broader implications of these policies for the global community, noting that restricting women's participation in public life exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society.ConclusionFor the future of Afghanistan, it is essential for the de facto authorities to change course. Mr. Türk's words serve as a clarion call to rethink the path forward. It is time for leaders to recognize the critical role women play in shaping the country's future and to take steps to empower them, not restrict their rights. The world is watching; it is up to Afghanistan's leaders to choose a different path.Keywords: Afghan women, NGOs, humanitarian crisis, poverty, human rights, gender equality

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