Women’s shelters vital: UNAMA

KABUL were vital as they provided safe homes for those in distress and called on the authorities to protect women from violence.

A statement from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said the shelters could help vulnerable Afghan women and girls, especially victims of domestic abuse and other violence.

“These shelters are an essential, life-saving service and play a critical role in the legal framework for eliminating violence against women,” the UN mission added.

Last year, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, in coordination with civil society, women’s groups and the international community, enacted a regulatory framework for the shelters, which gave the ministry a leading role in monitoring the facilities.

The government, particularly ministries with responsibilities for administering criminal justice system, had an obligation to formulate effective mechanisms to prevent violence against women and protect their rights, said the statement.

This includes ensuring the full implementation of the Elimination of Violence against Women Law and the various protection, and support services that it provides for, including protection shelters for vulnerable women and girls.

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