The title is:<br><br>"Absolutely the Wrong Path": UN High Commissioner Warns Against Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs

"Absolutely the Wrong Path": UN High Commissioner Warns Against Afghanistan's Ban on Women in NGOs

As the world strives to build a brighter future for all, it is disheartening to see some nations take steps that threaten their very fabric. A recent decree by Afghanistan's de facto Ministry of Economy banning women from working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is a stark example of this trend.

A Blow to Humanitarian Efforts

The December 26 decree prohibits women from working with both national and international NGOs, a move that will undoubtedly exacerbate the already significant challenges faced by Afghan women. This ban will leave millions of Afghans without access to life-saving support, exacerbating poverty and humanitarian crises.

A Critical Moment for Afghanistan

In his statement, UN High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasized that this decision is "a deeply discriminatory decree" that will have far-reaching consequences for the delivery of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. With over half the population living in poverty, the country relies heavily on NGOs to provide critical assistance to women, men, and children alike.

Women's Rights Under Siege

This ban is just the latest example of the de facto authorities' efforts to restrict women's rights and participation in public life. Since coming to power, Afghan women have faced a plethora of challenges, including bans on education, work, healthcare, and movement. These measures effectively erase women from public life, undermining Afghanistan's prospects for progress.

A Call to Reconsider

Mr. Türk urged the de facto authorities to rethink this "absolutely wrong path," emphasizing that no country can progress without involving half of its population in public life. He highlighted the broader implications of these policies for the global community, noting that restricting women's participation exacerbates poverty and hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society.

Conclusion

The UN High Commissioner's warning serves as a stark reminder that restricting women's participation in public life is not only discriminatory but also hampers efforts to build a stable and resilient society. As we shape the future, it is essential that we prioritize inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender.

**Keywords:** Afghanistan, NGOs, women's rights, humanitarian aid, public life, discrimination, stability, resilience

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.