Afghanistan, April 2 -- Britain's Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, has condemned restrictions preventing Afghan women from entering United Nations offices and compounds, saying the rights of women must be respected.
His remarks came after UN experts issued a fresh warning that the continued ban is undermining both human rights and humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.
Lindsay said the United Kingdom stands with UN experts in rejecting the restrictions, stressing that without women, the UN's ability to support vulnerable communities is severely weakened. Humanitarian officials have repeatedly said female staff are essential to reaching Afghan women and children, especially in conservative areas where male aid workers face ...