UNAMA Urges Action on Human Rights Amid Risks for Afghan Returnees on World Human Rights Day

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced that on the occasion of World Human Rights Day, specific returnee groups, including women, former government employees, and media activists, face the risk of retaliatory actions and human rights violations. UNAMA also emphasized that human rights are not optional and urged the ruling authorities to lift severe restrictions against women and girls and to fulfill their global obligations…

UNAMA described the human rights situation in the country as concerning and issued serious warnings to the ruling authorities on Wednesday (December 19), on the occasion of December 10, World Human Rights Day.

​Risk of Retaliation for Specific Returnee Groups

UNAMA highlighted in its statement that many Afghans are returning to the country involuntarily. This is while specific returnee groups face significant dangers:
​Risk groups: Women, individuals with previous affiliations to the former government and its security forces, civil society and media activists.

​Serious threat: These groups face the risk of retaliatory actions and violations of human rights against them.

​Women’s Rights and Daily Needs

UNAMA has called for the recognition of human rights in the daily needs of residents, as this fundamental aspect creates opportunities and security. This agency emphasizes that in Afghanistan, these needs remain unmet for a large number of individuals.

​Severe restrictions: Women and girls continuously face severe restrictions in the areas of health, work, and participation in social life, which undermines their fundamental rights and the future of the country.

​Health and vulnerability: Limited access to health services makes families vulnerable and communities incapacitated.

​UNAMA’s Request to the Ruling Authorities

​Georgette Gagnon, acting head of UNAMA and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, stated: Human rights are not optional. These rights are a daily necessity for continuing life… Ensuring that women and girls can learn, work, and fully participate is essential for improvement.

UNAMA urges the ruling authorities to:
​Align themselves more closely with global obligations regarding human rights and take strong steps to align with these global commitments and reopen space for the prosperity of Afghanistan and all its people.

Fiona Frazer, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan, also emphasized: Human rights must be at the center of Afghanistan’s path to progress. These rights act as a bridge between survival and hope.