27.05.2008 - Source: Voice of America

An increasing number of women are committing suicide by burning themselves to death as a way to escape physical, sexual and psychological abuse [ID 23283]

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Progressive members of the government and civil society thus far successfully blocked the reestablishment of the Department for the Prevention of Vice and the Promotion of Virtue which violated women’s and religious minorities rights’ ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22658]

"In August 2006, the Afghan Government announced its intention to re-establish, under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Department for the Prevention of Vice and the Promotion of Virtue, infamous under the Taliban, for its violations of women’s and religious minorities’ right. Thus far, its establishment has been successfully blocked by progressive members of the Government and civil society."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Despite progresses in the realization of gender equality, women and girls continue to suffer from low social, economic and political status; only 12,6 percent of women are literate and school attendance of girls dropped due to attacks on schools ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22664]

"Progress in the realization of gender equality remains, however, an uphill struggle as legal and social discrimination are deep-rooted, insecurity grows, and customary practices prevail. Afghan women and girls continue to suffer extremely low social, economic and political status. Chronically poor women are one of the most vulnerable groups in Afghanistan. Due to the culture and tradition, some means of social intervention (e.g. training, education, etc.) to support vulnerable women prove to be very difficult. Despite tremendous progress, the gender gap remains high. Only 12.6 percent of female adults are literate and a very small percentage of them is employed. Afghan women rank among the world’s worst off group by significant human development indicators: life expectancy is 42 years; maternal mortality as high as 1,600 deaths per 100,000 births; and literacy is as low as 14 percent for women 15 and older. While the number of girls in school increased quickly after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, only 37 percent of school-age girls were in school in 2006, as the violence directed at schools in 2005 and 2006 affected school attendance by girls particularly hard."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The unemployment rate in Afghanistan is 32 percent; for marginalised groups, such as women and the disabled, the rate is much higher ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22752]

"It is estimated that the overall unemployment rate in Afghanistan is 32 percent, and for marginalized groups such as women and the disabled, the rate is much higher. Afghans have limited access to education and training, and labour rights hardly exist. By the end of 2010, the Afghanistan Government aims to train 150,000 Afghans in marketable skills – 40 percent of them will be women. Poverty in places affected by the conflict has an impact on insurgents’ recruitment as Afghans are driven by a lack of resources, poor education and general disenchantment."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Profile of women who are victims of persecution ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22939]

"Afghan women who continue to be victims of persecution or face a risk of persecution may include, depending on the circumstances of the individual case:

• women who have adopted a Westernized way of life and who are perceived as or actually transgressing prevailing social mores, including women rights activists;
• foreign wives of Afghans; and
• women without male protection."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Single women without male relatives in Afghanistan face social restrictions and are extremely vulnerable; they can be accommodated temporarily in safe houses; a long term solution does not exist ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22993]

"Single females who do not have male relatives in Afghanistan, who are willing and able to provide support, face difficulties given social restrictions including on freedom of movement. In addition, lack of family protection and support expose single females to an increased risk of violence and forced marriage. Individual assessment of the effectiveness of family-links of unaccompanied female Afghans is crucial given that decades of war and poverty have damaged traditional family protection mechanisms and relationships. There is also the risk, should family-members decide to host a female relative, that she may suffer exploitation and the possibility of forced marriage.

The vulnerability of unaccompanied females in Afghanistan is the result of social traditions and gender values, according to which women should not live independently from their family. Where there is no family able to provide care and maintenance, single women can be accommodated temporarily in safe houses run by Afghan NGOs in Kabul and Heart. These constitute only a short-term “safe haven”, yet longer term solutions do not exist. Even in the case of domestic violence, the women or girl is often compelled by the lack of alternatives to return home."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Violence against women often comes from within the family; authorities are generally unable and unwilling to intervene to protect women from their families; women often imprisoned to protect them from violent acts of revenge from their family members ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22998]

"The main threats to the physical safety of women often come from within the family. Family disputes often revolve around the position of women as it has direct implications on family honour. The authorities are generally unable and unwilling to intervene to protect women from threats emanating from their families. Women also continue to be imprisoned for social or sexual offences, such as refusing to proceed with a forced marriage, escaping an abusive marriage, or involvement in extra-marital relationships. Authorities point out that sometimes such detention is necessary to protect the women from violent acts of revenge by their family members."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Women returnees, widows and female heads of households face numerous problems, including forced evictions, forced marriages and illegal occupation of land; widows are dependent on the family-members of the late husband ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 23168]

"Women returnees, widows and female heads of households often face numerous obstacles, including forced eviction and illegal occupation of land, difficulties in claiming inheritance, increased speculation on housing and land, forced marriage of widows to ensure that land and property remain within the family, and an inability to access courts. With respect to widows, special consideration should be given to whether or not family-members of the late husband would expect her to re-marry. Traditionally, in several parts of the country, a brother of the late husband marries the widow, with or without her consent."

Document(s): Open document

20.04.2007 - Source: UK Home Office

Women and girls are particularly affected by the overall lack of security ("Operational Guidance Note: Afghanistan") [ID 19967]

"In December 2005, the United Nations Secretary General reported that given the oppression from which Afghan women emerged in late 2001, the gains they have made in the past few years, including in the legal, political and educational areas, are significant. In particular, there has been an enhancement of women’s participation in the political process, the Government has undertaken steps to improve access to education for women, and they no longer face Taliban imposed restrictions on access to health care. These improvements are particularly noticeable in Kabul and other urban areas. However, the reach of the Government is limited and women and girls in Afghanistan remain beset with security, economic, social and human rights challenges. In many areas, local customs and local commanders still dominate. Violence against women is pervasive. Women and girls are abducted, raped, forced into early marriages against their will in settlement of debts or feuds, subject to domestic violence, and liable to be murdered in a so-called honour killing if they try to escape these circumstances. This has resulted in increasing numbers of suicides, often by self-immolation. Women and girls are particularly affected by the overall lack of security, which effectively limits their freedom to travel to school, work or to the hospital. For a majority of women these are in any case hypothetical restrictions because they are forbidden by male members of their family, or by local tribal and religious leaders, from working outside their homes or going to school. In June 2005, UNHCR identified as at particular risk women without male or community support, women’s rights activists, women who have married non-Muslims or without the family’s consent, and ‘westernised’ women."

Document(s): Open document

05.03.2007 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Report on the human rights situation (discrimination, violence against women, armed conflict and violence, impunity, deficits in democracy, institutional capacity and technical cooperation) ("Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and on the achievements of technical assistance in the field of human rights [A/HRC/4/98]") [ID 19354]

"As reported previously, women in Afghanistan have made remarkable progress under the current Government. This includes female participation in Parliament and the public sector and the growth of women’s organizations. Many development projects include a requirement of gender inclusiveness; however, progress in the realization of gender equality continues to be held back owing to discrimination, insecurity and the persistence of customary practices. Basic services such as access to education, health care and sources of income are still inaccessible while insecurity continues to dominate the lives of most women. The targeted assassination of the Head of DoWA in Kandahar on 25 September 2006 has created a sense of fear among many female government employees, particularly in southern and eastern Afghanistan. The treatment of women by the male-dominated justice sector, ongoing obstacles to the realization of civil, political, social and economic rights, and pervasive violence from segments of society are further daunting challenges."

Document(s): Open document

21.02.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Helmand province: Increasing insecurity has been pushing more and more women out of the workforce back into their homes; conflict between the anti-government elements and the international forces has intensified in recent months ("Women forced to quit work because of insecurity") [ID 18858]

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Afghan women and girls continue to suffer extremely low social, economic, and political status ("World Report 2007") [ID 18394]

"[...] They rank among the world’s worst off by most indicators, such as life expectancy (46 years), maternal mortality (1,600 deaths per 100,000 births), and literacy (12.6 percent of females 15 and older). Women and girls confront barriers to working outside the home and restrictions on their mobility; for example many still cannot travel without an accompanying male relative and a burqa. While the number of girls in school increased quickly after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, only 35 percent of school-age girls were in school in 2006. The violence directed at schools hit girls’ schools particularly hard."

Document(s): Open document

19.03.2006 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Afghan Women still among most disadvantaged women in world (only 15 per cent of women literate, women get half the wages of men, 80 per cent of marriages arranged without consent of bride, high maternal mortality rates) ("Slow Progress on Women’s Rights") [#46894],  [ID 1202]

Document(s): Open document

30.12.2005 - Source: UN Commission on the Status of Women

Report of the UN Secretary-General on situation of women and girls (elections, activities of Ministry of Women’s Affairs, violence against women and access to justice, social and economic reconstruction and rehabilitation) ("The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan [E/CN.6/2006/5]") [#44046],  [ID 1203]

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2005 - Source: ReliefWeb

Report focused on women (social change, women's health) ("Women of Afghanistan (ActionAid)") [#40469],  [ID 1204]

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Report focused on human rights of women and rule of law ("Human rights challenges facing Afghanistan’s National and Provincial Assemblies – an open letter to candidates") [#36688],  [ID 1205]

Document(s): Open document

18.07.2005 - Source: ReliefWeb

According to UN violence against women remains widespread ("U.N. says women's rights still widely violated in Afghanistan (DPA)") [#34152],  [ID 1206]

Document(s): Open document

15.07.2005 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Reports of threats against women standing for parliament and some cases of actual violence; house of Soraya Parlika, leading women’s rights campaigner, was burned down ("Dangers of Running for Office in Afghanistan") [#34084],  [ID 1207]

Document(s): Open document

06.07.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Female candidates for parliamentary elections threatened or attacked; poor security and strong conservative traditions are hampering their ability to compete in poll, especially in rural areas ("Tough road for women standing for election") [#33724],  [ID 1208]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Despite improvements compared to Taliban rule women and girls continue to face severe political and social discrimination ("World Report 2005") [#28207],  [ID 1209]

"Women and girls continue to suffer the worst effects of Afghanistan's insecurity. Conditions are better than under the Taliban, but women and girls continue to face severe governmental and social discrimination, and are struggling to take part in the political life of their country.
Afghan women who organize politically or criticize local rulers face threats and violence. Soldiers and police routinely harass women and girls, even in Kabul city. Many women and girls continue to be afraid to leave their homes without the burqa. Because many women and girls continue to fear violence by factions, many continue to spend the majority of their time indoors and at home, especially in rural areas, making it difficult for them to attend school, go to work, or actively participate in the country’s reconstruction. The majority of school-age girls in Afghanistan are still not enrolled in school."

Document(s): Open document
Open document

26.11.2004 - Source: UN General Assembly

Report focused on political developments, security situation (disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, police and justice reform) human rights situation, health and nutrition, voluntary repatriation and reintegration ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security - Emergency international assistance for peace, normalcy and reconstruction of war-stricken Afghanistan A/59/581 S/2004/925") [#27496],  [ID 1210]

"43. The maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan is 1,600 per 100,000 live births. Maternal health-care services are not equally distributed, and the majority of women, especially from rural areas, do not have access to essential obstetric care. Moreover, pregnant women, as well as children under five, are at high risk of contracting malaria."

Document(s): Open document

19.03.2004 - Source: UN General Assembly

UN Secretary-General: Codification of equal rights in constitution is legal basis for women to pursue fuller role in society ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security A/58/742–S/2004/230") [#20724],  [ID 1212]

"[...] 43. The codification of equal rights for women in the new Afghan constitution provides a legal basis for women to pursue a fuller role in society. Provisions for representation in the upper and lower houses of the National Assembly guarantee their voice in national decision-making.
44. The theme of International Women’s Day, on 8 March, was set by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs as the “Rule of law and life of women in Afghanistan”. Within the framework of the celebration, the Ministry, with support from the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, organized a series of workshops in Kabul to discuss the role that women will play in the upcoming elections and the implementation of the constitution. Events emphasizing the rights and duties of women in the registration and election processes were held in the provinces in March.
45. The recent increase in women’s electoral registration, noted earlier, is believed to be the result of a number of deliberate initiatives, including specific attention to women in public information and civic education campaigns and special events organized in regional centres, including the registration of key public figures. It is also due to the realization by the Afghan public that fewer women voters means fewer voters for a region. Finally, as men realize that women’s registration is done by women, they are increasingly willing to allow their wives and daughters to register.
46. Nevertheless, in certain areas of the country, strong social and cultural norms continue to limit women’s public role. Such limitations are particularly evident in Herat, where in the past several months there have been reports of more cases of forced marriage and female suicide, a ban on the participation of women in public service, and the denunciation of women activists as anti-national and foreignsupported. [...]"

Document(s): Open document
Open document

08.03.2004 - Source: EurasiaNet

Constitution recognizes women's equality with men, but for women reportedly little has changed ("Constitutional Guarantee Of Equal Rights For Afghan Women So Far Brings Little Change To Everyday Life") [#20971],  [ID 1213]

"[...] That political role looked set to expand after the Constitutional Loya Jirga, which concluded in early January, granted women a substantial role in the country's proposed parliament. Under the constitution, approximately 25 percent of the 250 seats in the lower chamber of parliament are reserved for women. Women also must account for 50 percent of the president's appointees to the upper house of parliament, the House of Elders. The president, provincial and district councils appoint all members of this chamber. The total number of delegates has not yet been specified.

"This ultimately gives Afghan women more space for political participation independent of association with political parties or groups," said Palwasha Hassan, a delegate to the Constitutional Loya Jirga and the coordinator for Afghanistan of Charity Rights and Democracy, a Canadian non-governmental organization.

Other provisions in the constitution could have similar far-reaching effects. Article 44 stipulates that the government must devise educational programs for women, while Article 48 states that "work is the right of every Afghan." Article 22 states that men and women "have equal rights and duties before the law."

Yet for many ordinary Afghan women, such rights mean little for everyday life. According to a recent report by Radio Free Europe, there have been hundreds of cases of self-immolation by women since the Taliban's ouster, most noticeably in the western region of Herat. Afghanistan has one of the world's lowest female literacy levels and one of its highest maternal mortality rates. Forced marriages are common and poverty and domestic violence widespread. Adequate health care is often either non-existent, or denied to women at hospitals with male doctors. An Afghan woman's average life expectancy is about 46 years, which is less than the average Afghan man's.

In Kabul, Mari Akrami, who runs a small training project for rural Afghan women, remained cautious about the new constitution's impact. "The real test will be its implementation; otherwise it is destined to remain just another document full of attractive words and phrases," Akrami said.

The legal interpretation of these provisions could prove one crucial stumbling block. Afghanistan's constitution states that all laws must be in accordance with Islamic principles. That reinforces the position of the Afghan judiciary, mostly dominated by conservative Islamic clerics who look askance at women playing a larger role in society. In January, the equal rights clause met its first test when the Supreme Court tried to ban state television from airing tapes of Afghan woman singers. The ban attempt failed after Karzai asserted that the constitution protected such broadcasts, but the conflict illustrated the depth of feeling aroused by the equal rights statute.

"Implementation of the constitution in general is an issue related to reforms in the legal sector, or broadly restoring the rule of law," said Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission spokesman Ahmad Nader Nadery. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

26.12.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Women delegates - who make up just 20 percent of the 500-member gathering - and local gender pressure groups are pushing for women's rights to be fully enshrined in the nation's new constitution ("Women demand clear definition of 'citizen' in constitution") [#18374],  [ID 1214]

"As Afghanistan's historic Constitutional Loya Jirga (CLJ) continues its deliberations, women delegates - who make up just 20 percent of the 500-member gathering - and local gender pressure groups are pushing for women's rights to be fully enshrined in the nation's new constitution.
[...]
Some women are concerned that although the draft constitution emphasises equal rights for all citizens, there is currently no definition of "citizen", and that the omission could be used to discriminate against women. Although the draft document states that the nation will abide by the international norms and treaties it has ratified, presumably including those prohibiting discrimination against women, human and women's rights advocates worry that this is not enough.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2003 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Report of the Secretary General on the situation of women and girls ("Report of the Secretary-General: The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan (E/CN.6/2004/5)") [#18829],  [ID 1215]

"35. The insecurity and increasing incidence of sexual violence threaten to reverse the gains made especially for girls and women as many are afraid to venture out of their homes to attend school or go to work for fear of abduction or rape by armed groups. The report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women (A/58/412) cites a wide range of violations against women and girls in the name of social norms, traditions and protection. Specific reference is made to domestic violence and early and forced marriages which remain common, at times with the concerned woman or girl threatening or actually committing suicide. During the Security Council mission, Council members were “shocked to learn of the frequent death threats against women activists and the rate of suicide among women was very high often resulting from desperation against forced marriages”. UNAMA reports “Women in Afghanistan continue to face significant obstacles. Intimidation, restrictions on movement, forced marriage, honour killings and “protective” incarceration are realities, particularly in rural areas, where conservative social attitudes prevail. Women are also threatened in these areas by local commanders who violate women’s rights and commit sexual abuse with impunity. Refugee women and widows also face specific risks associated with lack of security, as well as physical and psychological hardship.” Trafficking of women, through and from Afghanistan, and among Afghans in neighbouring countries has been reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as being cause for concern."

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2003 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Major priorities for many Afghan women is to earn an income to support their families and raise their standard of living ("Report of the Secretary-General: The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan (E/CN.6/2004/5)") [#18829],  [ID 1216]

"61. One of the major priorities for many Afghan women including an estimated one million destitute widows country-wide is to earn an income to support their families and raise their standard of living. Many women have returned to their former jobs in the civil service, health and education sector in 2003. International agencies have given priority to hiring women. UNICEF, for example, hires women for immunization campaigns. The Joint Electoral Monitoring Board and the United Nations Mine Action Service have employed women to undertake field-based work. Training and employment of female teachers and employment of women as health workers are seen as important opportunities to bring more women into the workforce. Precise data on the numbers of women entering the formal work force are not known, but greater attention will be paid to this area in future reports as more data become available."

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2003 - Source: UN General Assembly

Political participation of women promoted; intimidation, restrictions on movement, forced marriage, honour killings and “protective” incarceration are realities, particularly in rural areas ("Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (A/58/616)") [#18064],  [ID 1217]

"43. Women have been actively involved in the preparations for the Constitutional Loya Jirga and national voter registration. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, UNAMA, the United Nations Development Fund for Women and civil organizations have convened a number of meetings over the past several months to examine issues such as the role of women in constitutional (see para. 8 above) and legal reform and in the election. The voter registration process, for example, includes a number of specific measures to promote the enfranchisement of women.
44. On 8 March 2003 International Women’s Day was celebrated in coordination with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. A resolution was passed recognizing the important role of women in reconstructing the country. Afghanistan’s commitment to women’s human rights was strengthened by its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 4 April 2003.
45. Nonetheless, women in Afghanistan continue to face significant obstacles. Intimidation, restrictions on movement, forced marriage, honour killings and “protective” incarceration are realities, particularly in rural areas, where conservative social attitudes prevail. Women are also threatened in these areas by local commanders who violate women’s rights and commit sexual abuse with impunity. Refugee women and widows also face specific risks associated with lack of security, as well as physical and psychological hardship."

Document(s): Open document

24.10.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Eastern Laghman province: the hardline Taliban militia has threatened to kill Afghan women working for foreign non-government organisations ("Taliban death threat to Afghan women at NGOs (Reuters)") [#17104],  [ID 1218]

Document(s): Open document

06.10.2003 - Source: UN General Assembly

UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan ("Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on violence against women, its causes ad consequences, on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan (A/58/421)") [#17532],  [ID 1219]

"Furthermore, great disparities exist between the situation of women and girls in Kabul and the rest of the country, as well as between the conditions in rural and urban areas. Impunity and continuing political instability create conditions for the emergence of new forms of violence and discrimination against women, making change a risky task for those who are vulnerable."

Document(s): Open document

06.10.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Report on Afghan women facing human rights violations ( physical violence in the home, rape, underage and forced marriage, violence by armed groups, sexual abuse in custody, lack of access to divorce) ("Afghanistan "No-one listens to us and no-one treats us as human beings" - Justice denied to women") [#16548],  [ID 1220]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

06.10.2003 - Source: Guardian

Afghan women still face patterns of rape, domestic violence, forced marriage and the routine denial of justice, with the international community failing to protect them (based on ai report, #16548) ("West still failing to protect Afghan women") [#16517],  [ID 1221]

"Afghan women still face shocking patterns of rape, domestic violence, forced marriage and the routine denial of justice, with the international community failing to protect them in the two years since the Taliban regime ended, according to Amnesty International.

After talking to women in all parts of the country, Amnesty concludes in a report today that violence is widespread in most regions. There is "impunity on an enormous scale".

The collapse of the Taliban provided a new chance to break with age-old traditions of male abuse against which women were virtually defenceless. But the report says the government has "no clear strategy" to change attitudes and punish abusers. "It has failed to incorporate gender effectively into the national budget or the policy calculations of line ministries," Amnesty says."

Document(s): Open document

29.07.2003 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Folgende Gruppen von Frauen sollten daher bei einer Rückkehr nach Afghanistan als gefährdet und möglichen Verfolgungen ausgesetzt angesehen werden ("UNHCR-Stellungnahme zur Frage der Flüchtlingseigenschaft afghanischer Asylsuchender (aktualisierte Zusammenstellung)") [#14757],  [ID 1222]

"Trotz ermutigender Fortschritte für die Lebensbedingungen von Frauen in Afghanistan bestehen Diskriminierung und konservative kulturelle Bräuche fort und führen bisweilen zu Gewalttaten und sogar Tötungen ("Ehrtötungen"). Folgende Gruppen von Frauen sollten daher bei einer Rückkehr nach Afghanistan als gefährdet und möglichen Verfolgungen ausgesetzt angesehen werden:
a) Frauen ohne wirksame männliche Unterstützung und/oder Beistand der Gemeinschaft und b) Frauen, von denen angenommen wird, dass sie soziale Normen verletzen oder die dies tatsächlich tun. Diese letztere Kategorie könnte die folgenden Frauen einschließen:
1) Afghanische Frauen, die in einem Asylland einen Mann fremder Staatszugehörigkeit geheiratet haben; dies betrifft insbesondere Frauen, die keine Moslems geheiratet haben, was als Verletzung der Lehren des Islams angesehen wird; und 2) Afghanische Frauen, die westliches Verhalten oder westliche Lebensführung angenommen haben, was (i) als Verletzung der sozialen Normen angesehen wird und (ii) ein solch wesentlicher Bestandteil der Identität dieser Frauen geworden ist, dass es für diese eine Verfolgung bedeuten würde, dieses Verhalten unterdrücken zu müssen."

Document(s): Open document

26.05.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Mir Bacheh Kowt: United Nations agency for housing and shelter, UN-HABITAT, has started helping 100 widows rebuild their houses ("Housing for widows") [#13229],  [ID 1224]

Document(s): Open document

18.03.2003 - Source: UN Security Council

Afghan women in urban areas are slowly re-entering public life; Interim government ratifies CEDAW ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security [S/2003/333]") [#45062],  [ID 1225]

"45. Despite enduring years of hardship, the brutality of war, and the continuing widespread denial of their fundamental rights, Afghan women, particularly those in urban areas, are slowly reentering public life as professionals, students and active participants in society. Over 30 per cent of the students who returned to school in 2002 were girls and a third of the teachers were women. Women journalists have been able to return to their jobs as radio and television broadcasters and hundreds of women are working as civil servants and professionals in hospitals, courts, other government and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the private sector. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, the Judicial Commission and the Constitutional Commission all include women members who are at the forefront of advancing women’s concerns in the areas of human rights, judicial and constitutional reform. UNAMA and all United Nations agencies are working with these Afghan institutions to ensure women’s issues are fully addressed. I particularly welcome, in this regard, that on 5 March 2003 Afghanistan deposited the instruments of ratification for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women."

Document(s): Open document

14.03.2003 - Source: International Crisis Group

Report focused on gender policy in post - Bonn Afghanistan; provisions in new constitution, access to justice for women ("Afghanistan: Women and reconstruction") [#11474],  [ID 1226]

Document(s): Open document

05.03.2003 - Source: Medica Mondiale

Police detain individuals at check points and in district level offices sometimes for months ("Trapped by Tradition - Women & Girls in Detention in Kabul Welayat") [#14380],  [ID 1223]

"It is known that police detain individuals at check points and in district level offices sometimes for months at a time, and one prisoner currently in jail claims that she was held for three months at a district police check point in Kabul. Given accounts of corruption including from prisoners interviewed by Amnesty International one would not be surprised if closer investigation revealed routine extortion at the first level in regards to women picked up in connection, with say, prostitution, and the likelihood that these cases are simply never recorded."

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2002 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

UN Secretary-General: Despite positive developments serious problems persist in the field of physical security, political participation and social repression ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation of women and girls in the territories occupied by Afghan armed groups (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/27)") [#8325],  [ID 1227]

"8. In this context, it is welcomed that when the Interim Administration assumed authority on 22 December 2001, it invited female civil servants to return to the positions they had held prior to the Taliban taking control. Female employees of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations also returned to work. However, despite the positive developments which inspire hope for the future involvement of women in public life, serious problems persist and women’s voices continue to be stifled.
9. Women of all ethnicities have been compelled to restrict their participation in public life to avoid being targets of violence by armed factions. Afghan women, especially outside Kabul, continue to face serious threats to their physical safety, denying them the opportunity to participate fully and effectively in the rebuilding of their country.
10. Though women participated in the Loya Jirga process, it is reported that in some rural areas, local authorities and commanders tried to intimidate potential female candidates. Strong efforts by the Loya Jirga commission and my Special Representative seem to have countered the effects of some of these instances of intimidation. It is evident that only increased conditions of security country-wide can establish an enabling environment for Afghan women and thereby ensure the full inclusion of women’s rights in all aspects of governance, including post-conflict reconstruction.
14. Women leaders in Afghanistan face challenges that include the precarious security situation; a lack of education, training, tools and acceptance as leaders; and in some cases seclusion. Afghan women are committed to rebuilding their country despite an overwhelming concern for security. Particularly outside of Kabul, security is compromised by feuding warlords, armed bandits, a proliferation of weapons and militarized males and religious extremism. In this context, Afghan women leaders face the threat of a violent backlash, and it is reported that in rural areas conservative women’s groups are increasingly organizing themselves against what is perceived to be an overly liberal women’s movement in Kabul. Most are proceeding cautiously to consolidate gains and avoid devastating reversals, while a minority rejects an incremental approach in favour of confronting fundamentalism and patriarchy head on. Afghan women leaders must be supported and given the necessary resources to enable them to be full partners in the rebuilding of their society. […]"

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09.05.2002 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch: General situation ("Taking Cover: Women in Post-Taliban Afghanistan") [#6893],  [ID 1228]

"Since the U.S.-led alliance toppled the Taliban in November 2001, women and girls in Afghanistan have gained greater freedom to participate in public life and access to education, health care, and employment. This is the case particularly in the capital, Kabul, where the deployment of foreign military forces under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has helped bring much-needed security. Even in Kabul, however, many Afghan women still face constant threats to their personal security from other civilians or armed men belonging to various political factions. Outside Kabul, the situation is one of acute general lawlessness and insecurity, as there is no ISAF presence and rival warlords control security conditions. In these areas, more than in Kabul, Afghan women continue to face serious threats to their physical safety, which denies them the opportunity to exercise their basic human rights and to participate fully in the rebuilding of their country."

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2002 - Source: UN Commission on the Status of Women

Discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan ("Discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan, Report of the Secretary-General [E/CN.6/2002/5]") [#28931],  [ID 1229]

"Even before 1979, Afghanistan was one of the poorest countries in the world, with high maternal and child mortality rates and a very low literacy rate for women. Future plans and programmes for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan require an understanding of the country’s past, as well as its traditions and customs. Women had been discriminated against and marginalized before the Taliban came to power and their rights were severely limited through a system of traditional kinship where gender relations within the family unit, as well as within the local community, were dominated by males who were considered guardians of the family honour. Women’s victimization during the civil war and, particularly, the Taliban regime, perpetuates a perception of women as victims and as members of a vulnerable group. However, in reality, women assumed greater economic and social responsibilities during the years of conflict, which created a gap between the reality of women’s lives, on the one hand, and generally accepted norms based on traditional and customary models, on the other. This gap will have to be addressed in future interventions by the assistance community. Afghan women should be seen as primary stakeholders and agents of change who have identified their own needs and priorities in all sectors of society and are ready to be full partners in the rebuilding of their society. The current situation of change of power and instability may lead to increased violence against women in an atmosphere of impunity. Special measures need to be taken to protect women and girls from forced and under-age marriages and all other forms of violence. Although much attention was drawn to the imposition of the burqa on Afghan women as the perhaps most visible form of discrimination, Afghan women themselves considered other forms of discrimination, such as the ban on employment and education, to be of greater significance. Efforts by the United Nations and its partners to advance the status of women should therefore be based on a thorough understanding of the local culture and customs and on the priorities of Afghan women as defined by themselves. Furthermore, it will be crucial for the success of interventions on behalf of women to ensure that the assistance community acts consistently and leads by example in its own operations."

Document(s): Open document

04.12.2001 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Foreign Taliban fighters have left behind hundreds of women and children inside Afghanistan ("Afghanistan: Families of Foreign Fighters At Risk") [#4922],  [ID 1482]

"Foreign Taliban fighters have left behind hundreds of women and children inside Afghanistan," said Sidney Jones, executive director of the Asia division of Human Rights Watch. "Civilians in Afghanistan are entitled to protection under international humanitarian law, regardless of where they are from or what their husbands and fathers may have done." According to local anti-Taliban administrators contacted by Human Rights Watch, some five hundred foreign women and children, locally believed to be mostly Chechens, have sought refuge in the villages of the eastern Afghanistan provinces of Paktia and Logar. A smaller group of thirty families, apparently from Arab countries, now live in their vehicles and travel nightly around the canyons of central Paktia and southern Logar provinces to avoid the increasing U.S. bombardment of suspected Taliban mountain strongholds in eastern Afghanistan. This convoy is believed to be accompanied by some foreign armed men. Under international humanitarian law, the presence of small numbers of armed men accompanying such a group does not deprive the women and children of their civilian status."

Document(s): Open document