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UN in Afghanistan supports campaign to end violence against women
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Monday called on all Afghans to participate in a campaign to end violence against women.
stop violence against women
The 16-day global campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Norah Niland of the UNAMA Human Rights Unit says violence against women and girls is a "widespread and deeply rooted" problem in the country. A report based on field research found that while such violence is not openly condoned, neither is it adequately challenged nor condemned either by society or by State institutions:
"Our field research also found that rape is under-reported and concealed and is a huge problem in Afghanistan. It affects all parts of the country, all communities, and all social groups. It is a human rights problem of profound proportions."
Ms. Niland says the UN is supporting a diverse range of activities across Afghanistan to enhance awareness and mobilize action to tackle the scourge of violence against women.
Bissera Kostova, United Nations
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