The United Nations Human Rights rapporteur urges countries that committed to supporting Afghanistan but then abandoned it “hastily” not to forget Afghanistan.

Richard Bennett emphasized that the international community should adopt a unified strategy and action plan regarding Afghanistan.

In a recent interview with UN Radio in New York on Thursday, Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, expressed that human rights conditions, particularly for women, girls, ethnic and religious groups, the media, and civil society, are deteriorating in Afghanistan.

Bennett highlighted the shrinking civic space in Afghanistan, stressing that no other country in the world treats women and girls as “horrifically” as in Afghanistan. He plans to appeal to UN member states to keep Afghanistan in focus when presenting his report to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Addressing the global community, Bennett urged, “Do not forget Afghanistan. The countries that had pledged support to Afghanistan and left hastily bear a responsibility to remember Afghanistan.”

Bennett underscored the need for a coherent international strategy focused on Afghanistan, prioritizing the Afghan people’s welfare over regional or national interests of specific countries.

Referring to the recommendations by Feridun Sinirlioğlu, the UN Special Coordinator, Bennett emphasized the importance of a roadmap and action plan for Afghanistan’s future, involving women, civil society, and even the Taliban.

The report underscores the urgency of international accountability and unity in addressing Afghanistan’s severe human rights crisis. It calls for a steadfast commitment from countries previously involved in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, are not neglected.

Bennett’s report serves as a reminder of the critical need for a globally inclusive approach to Afghanistan’s future, promoting a strategy that protects human rights and reinforces support for Afghan society against repressive practices.

Former President Hamid Karzai met with Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, to stress the urgent need for reopening schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan.

On social media platform X, Karzai reiterated his call for the reopening of educational institutions for girls, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering girls and women and fostering a more inclusive society in Afghanistan.

The United Nations, in its latest report, also expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and noted a shift in public attitudes toward girls’ education.

The report highlighted that over 50% of Afghan women and girls feel that community support for girls’ access to both primary and higher education has declined.

The plight of Afghan women and girls remains a significant human rights issue, with the UN reporting severe restrictions on their fundamental rights, including bans on education and employment.

This restriction, alongside a dire humanitarian crisis, has left many Afghan women and girls vulnerable, with increased cases of forced and child marriages being reported.

The challenges faced by Afghan women and girls highlight the urgent need for international intervention and community support to restore their basic rights. Without access to education, employment, and safety, the future remains uncertain for millions, who are denied their right to thrive amidst these harsh conditions.

The head of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, has warned that Afghan girls deprived of education and their rights face limited prospects beyond early marriage.

In a message shared on Wednesday on the social media platform X, Russell wrote that the voices of Afghan women are being silenced, and their dreams denied.

Her message stated, “Those excluded from schools are confined to their homes and stripped of their rights, with little future beyond early marriage.”

Russell emphasized that no country can progress without the participation of half its population.

She called on the global community to raise its voice in support of Afghan women and girls, urging unified advocacy for their rights and education.

The ban on girls’ education above sixth grade and in universities has severely limited Afghan women’s job and economic opportunities, negatively impacting their lives by suppressing their aspirations and potential.

According to a recent UN survey, Taliban policies have altered family attitudes toward girls’ education in Afghanistan, with fears of the Taliban and strengthened patriarchal norms leading to reduced support for girls’ education.

The survey also confirms that early marriages have increased due to the education ban, leaving Afghan girls with few life options and increasing vulnerability.

The current restrictions on girls’ education and women’s rights highlight a deepening crisis for Afghan society, one that stifles progress and empowerment.

Addressing these issues through sustained global advocacy and humanitarian efforts remains critical to ensure a brighter future for Afghan girls and women.