UN expresses concern over health of Afghan women and girls returning from Pakistan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised concerns over the poor health conditions faced by Afghan women and girls who have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan. In his latest report to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, November 1, Guterres emphasized that many of the returnees are suffering from deteriorating health, describing the situation as deeply troubling.

According to the UN report, 500,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan in 2023, with women and girls making up 49% of this population. Many of these returnees have encountered significant health challenges, compounding the difficulties they face upon their return. Guterres highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of these vulnerable groups, noting that Afghan girls have been deprived of education for the past three years under the Taliban’s rule. The Taliban have issued nearly 90 decrees restricting the rights of women and girls, particularly concerning education and employment.

The mass return of Afghan refugees from both Pakistan and Iran has intensified in recent months, with hundreds of families crossing the border into Afghanistan daily. However, upon their return, many women and girls find themselves in a precarious situation, unable to access education or employment due to the Taliban's restrictions. This has resulted in severe economic hardships for many families, with women disproportionately affected.

The UN, along with other international organizations, continues to call for urgent action to address the rights and needs of Afghan women and girls, stressing that their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities is essential for the future of Afghanistan. However, the Taliban’s policies have made it increasingly difficult for these women to rebuild their lives in their home country, further complicating efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.