"Why "Absolutely the Wrong Path," Türk Warns Against Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs

Why "Absolutely the Wrong Path," Türk Warns Against Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOsThe recent decision by Afghanistan's de facto Ministry of Economy to revoke the licenses of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that employ Afghan women has sparked widespread alarm. The measure, which enforces a two-year-old decree prohibiting women from working with both national and international NGOs, is expected to have devastating consequences for the delivery of critical humanitarian aid in Afghanistan.The Devastating ConsequencesThe United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized in his statement that more than half of Afghanistan's population lives in poverty. The country is already reeling from the effects of conflict and economic instability. The ban on women working with NGOs will only exacerbate the situation, leaving millions of Afghans without access to life-saving support.NGOs: A Lifeline for MillionsNon-governmental organizations are essential to the survival of millions of Afghans, offering critical assistance to women, men, and children alike. They provide a range of services, from education and healthcare to food and shelter. The ban on women working with NGOs will effectively erase their contributions, undermining the prospects for progress in Afghanistan.A Deeply Discriminatory DecreeMr. Türk described the decree as "deeply discriminatory," urging the de facto authorities to reconsider their decision. He emphasized that restricting the participation of half of the population in public life is a recipe for disaster, not just for women and girls but for the nation as a whole.The Assault on Women's RightsSince coming to power, Afghanistan's de facto authorities have restricted the rights of women and girls, barring them from education, work, healthcare, and movement. These measures effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan's prospects for progress.Global ConsequencesThe global community is also affected by these policies. Restricting women's participation in public life exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society. Mr. Türk highlighted the need for leaders to rethink their course, not just for the sake of women and girls but for the future of the nation as a whole.A Plea to RethinkThe High Commissioner called on Afghanistan's leaders to reconsider their decision, emphasizing that "no country can progress - politically, economically or socially - while excluding half of its population from public life." He urged them to rethink their course for the future of the nation and for the global community.ConclusionFor the future of Afghanistan, it is essential that the de facto authorities change course. The ban on women working with NGOs is a step in the wrong direction, one that will only exacerbate the country's humanitarian crisis. It is crucial that leaders prioritize the rights and participation of women and girls, recognizing their critical role in building a stable and resilient society.Keywords: Afghanistan, NGO, human rights, women's rights, humanitarian aid, poverty, stability

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