Afghanistan: Information on the situation of women in the country in 1993, concerning violations of Sharia
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 May 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | AFG13952 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Afghanistan: Information on the situation of women in the country in 1993, concerning violations of Sharia, 1 May 1993, AFG13952, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac6d53.html [accessed 28 May 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. |
The April 1992 ouster of the Najibullah government and the installation of a fundamentalist Islamic government brought about changes in the situation of women in Afghanistan. The pro-Soviet government promoted western-style treatment of women, but the new government has insisted that Islamic laws be observed (Country Reports 1992 1993, 1118). Country Reports cites reports that under the new regime women have lost their jobs in such fields as news reporting and government (Ibid.). The new Rabbani government has reportedly stated that women must observe Islamic attire (Ibid.; DIRB 3 Nov. 1992).
According to a professor at Columbia University who specializes in Afghanistan, there have been many recent reports of attacks, rapes and harassment of women in Kabul, of westernized women in particular, although it is unclear what is provoking the attacks (30 Apr. 1993). The professor also stated that education opportunities for Afghani women are very poor (Ibid.).
References
Columbia University, New York. 30 April 1993. Telephone interview with Professor of Political Science.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. U.S. Department of State. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Documentation, Information and Research Branch (DIRB), Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa. 3 November 1992. Response to Information Request AFG12119.
Attachments
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993. U.S. Department of State. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Documentation, Information and Research Branch (DIRB), Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa. 3 November 1992. Response to Information Request AFG12119.
