In a press release published on December 29, United Nations refugee agency UNHCR called on the ruling Taliban militia to reverse a directive banning women from working for humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan.

"Preventing women from humanitarian work is a grave denial of their humanity," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is quoted in the press release. "It will only result in further suffering and hardship for all Afghans, especially women and children. This ban must be lifted."

Women's contribution to refugees in figures

According to UNHCR, more than 500 women work with 19 UNHCR partner organizations in Afghanistan, assisting nearly one million women and young girls. The latest ban will force UNHCR to "temporarily stop critical activities in support of Afghan people, especially women and children," the press release reads.

In addition to providing essential humanitarian aid, according to UNHCR, female staff is on the frontlines in identifying solutions for Afghans who have been hit by "four decades of conflict and persecution, including millions of refugees and internally displaced people."

According to UNHCR, some 3.4 million people are internally displaced in Afghanistan. An additional 2.9 million are displaced outside the country and have refugee status.

'Devastating impact'

Aside from risking to push entire families abroad, the ban also "diminishes possible long-term solutions for those already displaced, such as the decision to voluntarily return home to rebuild their lives," Grandi is quoted further.

According to said press release, women have been active in all 34 Afghan provinces and actively led the humanitarian response. Their work has allowed UNHCR to reach over six million Afghans since August 2021, the UN agency said.

"With so many restrictions imposed on women," the press release concluded, "this new decree will have a devastating impact on Afghanistan's population, comprising an estimated 40 million people."