UN official highlights women's support programs in Afghanistan amid funding cuts

In a recent United Nations briefing, officials highlighted the urgent need for increased funding to support women in Afghanistan amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges. Currently, about 50% of the beneficiaries of UN programs are women, despite Afghanistan being labeled the worst country in the world for women's rights. The UN has made strides in empowering women through initiatives such as a three-story mall in Herat dedicated to female entrepreneurs and training programs for midwives.

However, the UN's ability to sustain and expand these efforts is severely hampered by significant funding cuts. Officials expressed concern that these cuts could become the new norm, limiting their capacity to assist those who wish to promote change, including some within the Taliban who oppose restrictive policies against women. The UN emphasized the importance of international support to continue making a positive impact in the lives of Afghan women.

Additionally, questions arose regarding the situation at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with concerns about the potential return of refugees to Afghanistan. The UN is closely monitoring this situation, as the return of refugees could further strain the already fragile humanitarian landscape.

As the UN calls for a robust international response, the future of women's rights and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical need for community and global support.