Despite a decrease in overall violations in Afghanistan, the challenges still persist, impacting children’s access to education, safety, and basic services, according to a UN report.
Protracted conflict, displacement, extreme poverty, and food insecurity have disrupted children’s access to basic services. The lack of livelihood opportunities, insufficient investment in public services, and natural disasters has compounded their vulnerability to grave violations. These violations include recruitment and use, sexual violence, school dropouts, and unsafe migration, including forced returns from neighbouring countries, according to the report by the UN Secretary-General.
IMPACT ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION
The indefinite suspension of girls’ secondary and tertiary education has far-reaching consequences. Beyond affecting girls’ right to education, it exposes them to heightened risks and harmful coping mechanisms. The report highlights the urgent need to reopen schools beyond the sixth grade for all girls and lift the suspension on girls’ secondary education and women’s access to university education.
CRISIS OF VIOLENCE AND ABUSE
Millions of girls face barriers to attending secondary school, perpetuated by social norms and harmful traditional practices.
Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, emphasizes the urgency of addressing extreme forms of violence and abusive behaviour, including honour killings, child marriage, domestic abuse, and sexual violence.
STATISTICS AND ATTRIBUTION OF VIOLATIONS
Between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022, 4,519 grave violations against 3,545 children were verified, with the majority attributed to the Taliban. The most prevalent violations were killing and maiming, followed by the denial of humanitarian access. The report expresses concern over the increase in denial of access, exacerbated by decrees restricting Afghan women from working for NGOs.
EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS AND LACK OF SUPPORT
Explosive hazards remain pervasive in Afghanistan, posing a significant threat to children. Insufficient funding for demining activities and the withdrawal of donor support for Mine Action Coordination heighten the risks, considering explosive devices are the leading causes of killing and maiming of children.
RECRUITMENT AND USE OF CHILDREN
The number of children recruited and used remains high, exacerbated by the Taliban’s refusal to adhere to the international standard definition of a child. Children are often deprived of liberty on national security-related charges or alleged affiliations with opposing forces or groups.
CALL FOR CONCRETE CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES
The report acknowledges some measures taken by the Taliban but emphasizes the need for concrete child protection measures. It calls on the Taliban to adopt internationally recognized definitions of a child, prioritize child protection issues, and work towards breaking ongoing cycles of violations and structural inequalities.
PAVING THE WAY FOR PEACE AND STABILITY
The report concludes with a call to the Taliban to prioritize and address child protection issues for the long-term peace and stability of Afghanistan. Recognizing children as anyone under 18 years old and implementing measures to prevent grave violations and reintegrate children associated with armed forces can contribute to breaking ongoing cycles of violence and addressing structural inequalities.
OVERVIEW OF GRAVE VIOLATIONS
Recruitment and use: 257
Killing and maiming: 3,248
Sexual violence: 21
Abduction: 33
Attacks on schools and hospitals: 211
Denial of humanitarian access: 749
