Global perspective Human stories

Afghan Transitional Government should improve women's rights, Annan says

Afghan Transitional Government should improve women's rights, Annan says

As people across Afghanistan register to vote, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on the UN Commission on the Status of Women to issue recommendations aimed at helping the country's women to participate fully in politics.

In a report to the Commission on the situation of Afghan women and girls, Mr. Annan specifically underscores the need for the Afghan Transitional Administration - as well as the future government - to enact new non-discriminatory laws and repeal any measures that discriminate against women and girls.

Afghan electoral processes should be monitored closely "to make certain that women are able to register, participate fully and support special measures that would guarantee that they are represented in local, provincial and national government positions," Mr. Annan says.

According to the report, prevailing insecurity in Afghanistan and the increasing incidence of sexual violence threaten to reverse gains made by women and girls, who are often afraid to leave their homes for school or work out of fear that they might be kidnapped or raped.

The Secretary-General suggests that the Transitional Administration be encouraged to ensure that the police and military are trained in gender issues and uphold human rights, "especially in response to human rights abuses, including domestic and sexual violence."

The Commission on the Status of Women will hold its next session from 1 to 12 March.