MPVPV rejects UNAMA report on human rights situation in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): UNAMA has expressed concern on the situation of women's rights and freedom of expression in Afghanistan, but the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (MPVPV) dismissed the report and termed UNAMA findings baseless.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on January 27^th published a report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.

The report said that the acting Afghan government continued to implement the Law on Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in ways which discriminated against women and girls, impacting their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Provincial de facto Departments for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice are applying the mahram requirement in ways not clearly specified by the PVPV Law, creating additional barriers for women and girls to access public services, attend work and conduct other activities outside their homes.

The report found that the de facto authorities’ measures in interfering with media content and the internal operation of media outlets have significantly diminished media freedoms in Afghanistan. Women in media are subject to additional restrictions by the de facto authorities and have more difficulties in accessing information than their male counterparts.

These restrictions have confined female journalists mainly to duties at the office. Female journalists are often not invited to press conferences organized by the de facto authorities or are asked to move to the back of the room. Some officials of the de facto authorities refuse to talk to or to be interviewed by women. The challenges faced by the media are compounded by a loss of revenue and the withdrawal of donor support since the Taliban takeover of the country.

The MPVPV in a statement termed UNAMA criticism and objections baseless and rejected. The ministry said the report was based on western point of view.

Referring to the issue of Muharram with woman the ministry said: “This claim is far from the truth and is considered merely an attempt to discredit the MPVPV.”

The statement noted that the PVPV law did not mention anything in this regard and only considered the safety, value, and needs of women, the presence of a religious mahram has been deemed necessary for journeys that exceed 72 kilometers.

The statement said that UNAMA should not ignore the achievements of this ministry in protecting women's rights, such as dowry, inheritance, alimony, prevention of forced marriage and domestic violence, and avoid such criticisms, taking into account the religious and cultural values ​​of Afghan society.

The statement said: “The IEA specially the MPVPV has not only not imposed any restrictions on the rights of the people, but has also protected all their rights, provided access to them, and has always strived to create an Islamic and safe environment by observing Islamic principles, religious values, and social sensitivities.”

The PVPV called on UNAMA to consider the religious and cultural values ​​of the people in its reports and to refrain from unnecessary and untrue criticism.

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