Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 17, 2026 Peace and security
For women and girls in Afghanistan, 2026 has already proven to be an "extremely difficult year" due to the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing fighting on the border with Pakistan, UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan Susan Ferguson said on Tuesday.
Speaking via video link from Kabul to reporters in New York, Ferguson said the recent escalation in fighting has left at least 64,000 Afghans injured, about half of them women and girls.
"This number includes thousands of families who were displaced again after living for six months in temporary camps following the August 2025 earthquake," she said. "They also include women and girls who recently returned from Iran or Pakistan."
Ferguson noted that women in Afghanistan today primarily need shelter, medical care, and clean water. She reiterated the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's call for "an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties and for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law."
Echoes of the war with Iran
According to Fergusson, a sharp increase in the number of Afghans returning from Iran, including women traveling alone or with children, is expected in western Afghanistan in the coming weeks. She emphasized that UN Women and partners are prepared to deploy more humanitarian workers to the border to assist returning Afghan women with registration and support.
"We urgently need funding to meet these needs at this critical time," the Special Representative said. "Women and girls in Afghanistan cannot survive another economic shock."
The current situation "must not become the norm"
When the international community begins to normalize what is happening in Afghanistan, Ferguson emphasized, it stops believing that the situation can change and stops noticing what is happening.
"Therefore," she continued, "to the international community, including the decision-makers gathered this week in New York for the Commission on the Status of Women, I would say: 'Don't call this the norm.' Despite all the obstacles and limitations, Afghan women continue to demonstrate exceptional courage and determination, and we must do the same. Change is still possible, but only if the world continues to support Afghan women."
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