The UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, has announced a halt to its activities at encashment centers across Afghanistan due to a directive from the de facto authorities preventing Afghan female staff from working. In a statement, UNHCR said, “On Sept 9, in light of instructions from the de facto authorities preventing Afghan female staff from working, UNHCR was compelled to halt activities at its encashment centres across Afghanistan.” These centers are places where Afghans returning from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran receive financial and other support.
In a separate statement, the UN said its women employees had been barred from their workplaces in several locations this week. “Security forces are visibly present at the entrances of UN premises in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif to enforce the restriction. This is particularly concerning in view of continuing restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls,” the statement read.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in July for two senior Taliban leaders, accusing them of crimes against humanity over the persecution of women and girls, who are banned from most forms of education and work. Women and girls are also prohibited from visiting parks and gyms and from traveling without a male guardian.
The UN explained that it was ending its support for returnees due to operational concerns. For cultural reasons, it requires female employees to interview the many women returning from neighboring countries.
