UN Warns of Dire Women’s Rights Situation in Afghanistan Amidst Rising Civilian Casualties

The United Nations has issued a warning about the critical state of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan, emphasizing their lack of access to education. Shockingly high statistics concerning civilian casualties in the ongoing conflicts in the country have also been released.

UN: The Situation of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan is Critical

Naiya Radazi Gombunzawanda, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Women’s division, expressed concern about the dire situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan during a meeting at the UN headquarters. She noted that the country is in one of the worst positions globally regarding women’s rights.
The UN official highlighted the deprivation of Afghan girls from education, stating, “The education that could transform the lives of girls and children has been taken away from them.” She also referenced the precarious situation for women in conflict zones, where the fighting has greatly escalated the dangers they face.

Worrying Statistics on Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan

Gombunzawanda continued by providing alarming statistics, revealing that in the last year alone, over 37,000 civilians lost their lives in Afghanistan’s conflicts, with one-quarter of these being women and children. Additionally, more than 750 million women and girls live in proximity to conflict zones, with an average of at least 25 being victims of these hostilities each day.
Emphasizing the collapse of healthcare services, she remarked that the ongoing conflicts pose serious challenges to accessing health care and maternal care. She further mentioned the crisis in Gaza, stating that the destruction of maternity hospitals there has resulted in a 41% decrease in newborn survival rates and a 300% increase in abortions.

Criticism of Women’s Exclusion from Peace Negotiations

The UN representative criticized the exclusion of women from peace negotiations, stating, “In 2025, only 5% of negotiators in 57 peace processes were women, and none of the 13 ceasefire agreements explicitly prohibited sexual violence.” She called for the active participation of women in peace talks and for increased funding for organizations supporting women’s rights.
Following the collapse of the republic system in August 2021, the ban on education for girls above the sixth grade and severe restrictions on women’s social activities have drawn widespread international criticism and condemnation.