“There still are many serious issues with women’s rights,” she said. 

 

She added, “The level of violence against women is still high; the government does need to do much more to address it.”

In the interview, Gagnon said highlighted positive and encouraging indicators against a backdrop of enormous challenges posed by conflict, as well as by the complex political and economic situation.

“We’re expecting that the gains made will be sustained, will not be rolled back, and will not be sacrificed,” she said.

She noted that civil society groups, in particular, are advancing the human rights struggle in Afghanistan.

Gagnon also spoke about critical issues for Afghanistan, such as civilian protection during armed conflict, children in conflict, women’s issues, detention practices and peace and reconciliation initiatives.

On protection of civilians, she said that, during the last five years, UNAMA had dedicated resources to meticulously documenting the impact of the conflict on civilians across the country to get the parties to the conflict to take concrete steps to mitigate the effects on civilians – to protect lives.

Gagnon described how the United Nations continues working with all parties to abide with their national and international obligations to protect civilians.

“We’re bringing forward our findings, our documentation, our reporting, and we’re urging and putting forward recommendations, practical ways and means to reduce civilian casualties,” she said. 

 

She added, “We have regular dialogue in the field with the military actors, urging them to abide by their obligations to protect civilians – ensure they have directives in place, rules of procedure, rules of engagement that put the protection of civilians at the centre.”

Photo: Fardin Waezi/UNAMA