UN: Access to justice for Afghan women limited
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN: Access to justice for Afghan women limited, 19 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba1438.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 19, 2015
The United Nations says access to justice for Afghan women who suffer violence needs to be strengthened.
A UN report released on April 19, said only five percent of 110 surveyed cases were resolved through the judicial system, resulting in the criminal prosecution and punishment of perpetrators.
Most complaints of domestic violence are dealt with by mediation rather than prosecution, the report said.
It said women often choose mediation to resolve complaints of violence, partly because they lack faith in the justice system.
Financial dependency on men and a lack of certain rights means survivors of domestic violence were reluctant to seek criminal sanctions against the abusers, the report said.
The criminalization of adultery severely limits women's right to freedom of movement, and their right to leave an abusive environment, the report said.
Constitutional guarantees of equal rights and protection from violence are rarely applied in practice in Afghanistan.
Based on reporting by dpa and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
