UN political affairs chief urges immediate lifting of restrictions on women during Kabul visit

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, concluded a visit to Kabul on Sunday, during which she held talks with the Islamic Emirate authorities, diplomats, Afghan women, civil society representatives, and female Afghan staff working for the UN.

According to a UN statement, DiCarlo raised concerns over restrictions imposed on Afghan women, particularly limitations affecting female UN employees, as well as broader curbs on women’s access to education, employment, and public life. She urged the authorities to lift these restrictions immediately.

During her meetings, DiCarlo also encouraged Afghan authorities to engage fully in the Doha Process and to address international obligations required for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the global community. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and engagement.

The UN official further emphasized the importance of ensuring unimpeded cross-border transit of humanitarian assistance and sought the cooperation of Afghan authorities to facilitate aid delivery to people in need.

DiCarlo praised the vital role played by Afghan women working for the United Nations in supporting humanitarian and development efforts across the country.

She also met separately with Afghan women and civil society representatives to discuss the human rights situation in Afghanistan, underscoring the UN’s continued concern over the status of women and girls in the country.