UN Special Rapporteur Warns Taliban Restrictions Create Health Access Crisis for Afghan Women

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, stated on World Health Day that Afghan women and girls face serious barriers to accessing health services due to Taliban restrictions on their movement, education and employment of female health workers.

Bennett highlighted that discriminatory policies, shortages of female health staff and curbs on women's education and mobility are the main factors fueling a crisis in health service access. He noted that restrictions on girls' higher education and medical institutes over the past four years have exacerbated the shortage of female health workers.

Afghanistan's health system has collapsed since the Taliban's return to power, leading to the closure of treatment centers and reduced access, particularly in remote areas, Bennett said. International organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Organization for Migration, World Health Organization and UN Population Fund have described the health system as critically weakened by war, economic challenges, reduced aid and restrictions that disproportionately affect women and children.

Regional conflicts, including those with Pakistan and the war in the Middle East, have hindered aid delivery, while the Taliban has requested medical assistance and the UN has warned of rising health needs, according to Bennett.

Bennett urged the international community to take immediate action to restore women's rights and dignity, ensuring fulfillment of health rights and adherence to international commitments.