UK Special Envoy Reiterates Support for Afghan Women's Rights

Britain's Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Richard Linzi, stated that the UK stands with Afghan women and girls, emphasizing that their rights must be respected. Linzi insisted that women must be fully included in Afghanistan's political, social and economic life to achieve greater peace and stability. "Britain still stands with Afghan women and girls. Their rights must be respected. We remain committed to a peaceful Afghanistan where women are fully included," Linzi said.

Women's rights activist Lamia Shirzai said Afghanistan should not lag behind other countries in the age of technology, adding that women and girls can contribute alongside men to the nation's growth and development.

A joint statement from countries committed to women, peace and security, including members of the "Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security," expressed solidarity with Afghan women and girls. Panama's UN representative, Elvi Dalba, read the statement, noting that Afghanistan is the only country worldwide depriving girls of secondary and higher education. Dalba condemned the exclusion of women and girls from public life, including restrictions on education, health services, employment, freedom of movement and societal participation. The statement stressed that respecting Afghan women's rights and ensuring their full, equal and safe participation is essential for peace, stability and prosperity.

Dalba also called for immediately lifting restrictions on female UN staff and restoring women's and girls' access to education.

Meanwhile, students demanded that Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan officials open schools and universities to girls and provide job opportunities. Student Hedieh told ToloNews: "My request from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is that the doors of schools be opened to us; and we study and serve our homeland." Student Zohra added: "I ask the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to provide such opportunities for girls; so that they can work and continue their studies."

Islamic Emirate officials have previously assured efforts to uphold women's rights, amid repeated calls from international organizations and political figures for restoring girls' access to education.