Open Letter Urges UN to Strengthen Women’s Participation in Afghanistan

DID Press: The advocacy group Women for Afghanistan has called on the United Nations to strengthen women’s participation in Afghanistan’s political process and reform the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The organization said it had submitted an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and members of the UN Security Council following consultations with more than 30 organizations and 450 women from across Afghanistan.

The letter’s primary recommendation calls for UNAMA to establish a regular mechanism for sustained engagement with diverse Afghan women’s groups, democratic forces, civil society representatives and political actors both inside and outside the country. It urges that such engagement move beyond consultation to ensure meaningful and effective participation in shaping Afghanistan’s political future.

The letter also calls for the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the Independent Assessment mandated under UN Security Council Resolution 2721, including the appointment of a UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan, the adoption of clear benchmarks and timelines to measure political progress, greater transparency and accountability within UNAMA, and the guarantee of full, equal and meaningful participation of women at every stage of political dialogue.

Women for Afghanistan urged the United Nations to provide effective leadership by implementing these proposals and facilitating a credible, inclusive political process that reflects the will of all Afghan citizens.