Faiq Calls for Women and Youth to Help Shape Afghanistan’s Future

DID Press: The acting representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations has expressed concern over the exclusion of women and young people from education, employment and social participation, stressing that both groups must play an active role in decisions concerning the country’s future.

Nasir Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized the need for women and young people to be included in decision-making processes concerning the country’s future. He also voiced concern over the continued restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

Faiq made the remarks at a meeting titled “Afghanistan’s Youth at a Crossroads: Rights, Aspirations, Challenges and Opportunities,” held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee session.

He said that over the past five years, young Afghans have faced widespread restrictions in education, employment and social participation, with particularly severe consequences for girls and women.

Citing UNICEF figures, Afghanistan’s acting UN representative said that more than 2.6 million girls in the country have been denied access to secondary education since 2021.

According to Faiq, universities remain closed to women, while restrictions on employment and freedom of movement have significantly reduced their personal independence and life opportunities.

He stressed that Afghan women and young people must not be excluded from processes that determine the country’s future and should be given the opportunity to participate in fundamental decision-making.