Rise in forced marriages, maternal mortality, and early childbirths in Afghanistan

In its latest report, the United Nations has examined the devastating consequences of the ban on girls’ education, revealing that these prohibitions and other restrictions have affected all aspects of the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan. The report, published on Saturday, May 25, on the UN Women website, shows that following the imposition […]

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In its latest report, the United Nations has examined the devastating consequences of the ban on girls’ education, revealing that these prohibitions and other restrictions have affected all aspects of the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan.

The report, published on Saturday, May 25, on the UN Women website, shows that following the imposition of restrictions on the freedoms of women and girls, particularly the ban on girls’ education, what is termed “forced marriage” has increased by 25%.

The rate of early childbirth among Afghan teenage girls has risen by 45%, and the risk of maternal mortality among Afghan girls and women has increased by at least 50%.

It is noteworthy that this report is based on consultations and discussions with over 700 women from 2022 to 2024 and was prepared in collaboration with other active UN agencies in Afghanistan, including the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Meanwhile, according to UN officials, 1.4 million women and girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of continuing their education, and the policy that led to this deprivation has had irreparable consequences.

The restrictions on women’s rights in #Afghanistan reverberate across all sectors & facets of life.
Our data projections link the ban on girls’ education with increases in child marriage by 25%, early childbearing by 45%, maternal mortality by 50%.
More: https://t.co/yI1f678nCs

— UN Women Afghanistan (@unwomenafghan) May 25, 2024

This comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with 23.7 million people needing emergency aid in 2024, according to UN agencies.

Meanwhile, the escalation of Afghan migrant deportations by Pakistan and Iran has exacerbated the current situation.

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