Report of the Secretary-General: The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international

On 4 May, the Independent Human Rights Commission, the Oversight of the Implementation of the Constitution Commission and the secretariats of the upper and lower houses of Parliament were abolished. [...] Engagement by senior United Nations officials and the UNAMA leadership with the de facto authorities continued, focused on advocating the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, in particular the right of girls to education and the right of women to work and equal participation; the establishment of representative and participatory governance reflecting the diversity of the Afghan people; a. [...] In addition to a general lack of financial independence and the imposition of the mahram requirement, access to justice for women in such cases has been impacted by the closure of dedicated offices on violence against women and the absence of qualified personnel, including women, in police, prosecution and the courts, for the purpose of receiving or handling such complaints. [...] The enduring presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan reflects the commitment of the international community to assist the Afghan people in their efforts to meet urgent humanitarian and human needs, support sustainable economic development and promote the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. [...] Such a dialogue can build confidence between the international community and the de facto authorities, with the overall objective of improving the sit uation of the most vulnerable Afghan people, who continue to bear the brunt of the multiple and compounding crises facing the country.