KABUL – In a Joint statement by the European Union Special Representative in Afghanistan,  Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin and the Head of Mission of European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan, Karl Åke Roghe on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women said that the elimination of violence and discrimination against women and girls remains a pivotal objective of the European Union's Human Rights Policy.

"Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we express our shared concern on the continuing violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan. The EU in Afghanistan and its Police Mission (EUPOL) remain strongly encountered by Afghan women and girls.”

In many parts of Afghanistan, violence against women has increased during the past couple of years. However, some progress has been made as more women now have courage to report violations against their rights. "It is vital that the government takes implementation of the legal framework, the Law on Elimination of Violence against Women in particular, seriously. The Afghan legal system must stand up to its obligations and address these problems, punish the  perpetrators and bring justice to the victims", says Karl Åke Roghe, EUPOL Head of Mission.

Since 2010 the EU has supported 28 projects in Afghanistan, including: legal aid and psychological counselling; establishing centres for victims of family violence; women/government cooperation to develop ways to eliminate violence against women; and promotion of men and women working together as catalysts for women's rights.

EUPOL has contributed by training female police officers and prosecutors as well as providing  specific training courses on violence against women. In addition, EUPOL supports the capacity building in the Ministry of the Interior and the Afghan National Police, including Family Response Units within the police force." (PR)