UN reports rise in gender-based violence in Afghanistan

Afghanistan lacks adequate legal mechanisms to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and punish perpetrators, according to the new report of the UN Mission in Afghanistan, Report informs.

The situation is complicated by the fact that complaints are processed predominantly by men, the report says, adding that out of fear of de facto authorities, many victims prefer to seek redress through traditional mechanisms.

UN analysts note that levels of gender-based violence against women and girls were high even before the Taliban took power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. But since then, the situation has reportedly only gotten worse.

The most common reasons for complaints of violence against women and girls reported to the de facto police, prosecutors and courts were murders, including 'honour' killings, rape, bodily harm, and disinheritance.

The de facto authorities reported that they judge under Sharia law as well as the laws of the previous government, but Sharia law takes precedence. An official from the prosecutor's office noted that punishments for violence against women under Sharia law are much lower compared to the laws of the previous government.