DOHA, Qatar — Roz Otunbayeva, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), addressed the ongoing challenges facing Afghan women and girls during the 22nd Doha Forum, shedding light on the state of education and humanitarian needs in the country.
Speaking at the session, Otunbayeva revealed that online education for girls continues despite significant restrictions imposed by the Taliban. However, she refrained from sharing details, citing concerns that the Taliban government might shut down these initiatives.
“I cannot tell you the secrets of online education,” she said, warning of potential reprisals by the authorities.
Otunbayeva expressed deep concern over the limited access to education for women and girls, noting that only about 20 percent of Afghan women have received formal education. “This is regrettable,” she said, emphasizing the urgent need for investment in the country’s education sector.
However, she lamented the Taliban’s lack of understanding of the importance of education for women. “Unfortunately, the Taliban don’t understand this. They tell us, ‘Women are invisible. They are behind the walls. You can find them there,’” Otunbayeva said.
Turning to the broader humanitarian crisis, Otunbayeva warned that Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs for 2024 would amount to approximately $3 billion. She called on the international community to address the urgent needs of a population grappling with economic collapse, severe restrictions on women’s rights, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
