Former UNAMA Head Urges Shanghai Cooperation Organization Members Not to Be Indifferent to Afghan Women's Situation

Roza Otunbayeva, the former head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, also known as UNAMA, and the former president of Kyrgyzstan, took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Women's Forum. She called on the members of the organization not to remain indifferent to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

During her speech, Otunbayeva referred to the restrictions she witnessed firsthand during her mission to Afghanistan in 2022. Girls are not permitted to continue their education after completing the sixth grade. Women face bans on employment, entry to parks and sports facilities, and travel unless accompanied by a male relative. She stated that these measures point to a rapid return to conservative practices.

The Women's Forum meeting occurred on the fifth of Cancer, or June 26, 2026. Representatives from the member countries, international officials, and women's affairs experts attended the event. The discussions centered on increasing cooperation among women in politics, the economy, security matters, and social development.

Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has ten primary members. These are Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan serves as one of the partner countries in the organization.

In addition to her comments on Afghanistan, Otunbayeva addressed the general role of women in conflict resolution, human security, and economic development efforts.