United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan
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UNITED NATIONS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR AFGHANISTAN
2. Progress toward the 2030 Agenda
Decades of conflict and instability have negatively impacted most aspects of social, economic, and
political life in Afghanistan, with the most severe impacts being felt by the most vulnerable and
marginalized. Even prior to August 2021, Afghanistan was projected to meet only 15 of the 169 global
SDG targets by 2030. Since August 2021, the economy contracted sharply, the banking sector fell into
crisis, and poverty increased, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with an imminent risk
of a systemic collapse. The international community's focus has been largely on providing
humanitarian aid and support to basic human needs through non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
and UN agencies. The restrictive policies of the de facto authorities on women's social and economic
rights, access of women and girls to education and work, inclusivity of the governance structures,
violations of human rights and freedom of speech, and increased interference in the delivery of
international assistance - including the bans on Afghan women working for the UN and international
and national NGOs (see Box 2 below) are the primary barriers preventing member states from
considering a return to a broader development support.
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Box 2: Bans on Afghan women working for the UN and NGOs.
In December 2022, de facto authorities banned Afghan women from working for national and
international NGOs, a move roundly condemned by the international community. In April 2023,
the de facto authorities extended this edict to ban Afghan women from working for the UN in
Afghanistan. These bans were still in place as of 1 July 2023.
In addition to their impacts on women and girls, these decisions undermine the ability of the
UN, donors, and partners to deliver critical assistance to the Afghan people, given that both
Afghan women and men are essential to all aspects of their work. The UN, donors, and partners
have consistently reiterated that these bans are unlawful under international law, including the
UN Charter.
2.1
Governance, Human Rights, and Security Context
Since seizing power, the de facto authorities have focused on the transition from insurgency to
administration, despite lacking international recognition. There has been no progress to date on
national policies, frameworks, or inclusive, sectoral leadership, while key architectures established to
promote and protect rights have been dismantled (e.g., Afghanistan Independent Human Rights
Commission, Ministry of Women's Affairs). While the de facto cabinet in Kabul was initially the main
vehicle for decision-making, influence has shifted towards the more conservative Kandahar-based
Taliban leadership. The de facto authorities lack gender, ethnic, religious, political, and geographical
diversity. Pre-existing norms around male leadership have been consolidated and legitimized, undoing
decades of gains that women had achieved in leadership and representation within public institutions.
Restrictions have been imposed on the activities of civil society, NGOs, human rights defenders, and
the media. Civic space and freedom of expression and assembly have been curtailed. While there hasView entire presentation