External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction at hosting Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva, who leads the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Jaishankar, in an official statement on X, stated that they deliberated on the current situation in Afghanistan and shared perspectives.

Jaishankar underscored India's provision of wheat, medicines, pesticides, and school supplies to aid Afghanistan. He highlighted the partnership with UN agencies in these efforts, expressing appreciation for their role.

In January, India supplied 40,000 litres of Malathion, a pesticide utilised to combat locust infestations, via the Chabahar port, as part of its ongoing support to Afghanistan.

Last month, Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UN Deputy Mission in Afghanistan, reiterated concerns regarding the escalating risk that restrictions on women could further plunge Afghanistan into poverty and isolation.

The head of the UN Deputy Mission in Afghanistan called upon the Taliban to eliminate the restrictions imposed on women and girls, particularly as the world marked International Women’s Solidarity Day on March 8.

According to a statement released by UNAMA, Otunbayeva expressed regret over witnessing what she described as a "disastrous negative investment" in Afghanistan, rather than prioritising investment in women. She noted that this situation has serious repercussions for women and girls, hindering both peace and prosperity in the region.

Global leaders are underlining the urgent requirement for swift action to improve the situation of women and girls, who bear a disproportionate burden of the conflict and socioeconomic constraints.

Efforts to facilitate women's active involvement in shaping the future of their nation and fostering peace and prosperity for all are deemed essential. This necessitates coordinated actions to eliminate barriers, foster inclusivity, and uphold women's rights in Afghanistan, as the international community unites in supporting their cause.

Numerous governments worldwide have condemned the Taliban's widespread assault on the rights of Afghan women and girls. Despite the Taliban's initial pledge to adopt a moderate stance on women's rights following their assumption of power in August 2021, the prohibition on higher education represents just one of several measures taken by the armed group to increase societal segregation and restrict women's participation.

In the immediate aftermath of August 2021, the Taliban enforced a ban preventing girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. Additionally, they imposed stringent regulations mandating the wearing of hijabs by women and requiring them to be accompanied by a male guardian when travelling.

Image source: ANI