Mohamed Abushahab, the United Arab Emirates’ representative to the United Nations, has said that stability, security and prosperity in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without ensuring the full and equal rights of women and girls.
The UAE Mission to the UN announced the remarks on Thursday, 8 October, sharing a photograph of Abushahab’s meeting with Rabab Fatima, the newly appointed head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
According to the statement, Abushahab reaffirmed the UAE’s support for UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan. He also congratulated Fatima on her appointment as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and expressed hope for progress towards stability in the country.
The UAE Mission emphasised that the country remains committed to supporting the equal rights of Afghan women and girls and will continue to advocate for their rights.
The UAE has previously expressed concern on several occasions over the human rights situation in Afghanistan. During a session of the UN Human Rights Council, the country’s representative also called for the rights of Afghan women and girls to be upheld.
In recent years, the UAE has maintained contact with a number of Afghan women. In July last year, a group of women activists met with Emirati officials and urged Abu Dhabi to continue supporting the rights of women in Afghanistan.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
