Afghanistan: Women with Disabilities Face Systemic Abuse

(New York, April 28, 2020) –Afghan women and girls with disabilities face high barriers, discrimination, and sexual harassment in accessing government assistance, health care and schools, Human Rights Watch said today.


The report, “Disability is Not Weakness,” details the everyday barriers that Afghan women and girls with disabilities face in one of the world’s poorest countries. Decades of conflict have decimated government institutions, and development efforts have failed to reach many communities most in need. The Afghan government should urgently reform policies and practices that prevent women and girls with disabilities from enjoying their basic rights to health, education, and work. Afghanistan’s donors should support and advocate for the rights of all Afghans with disabilities.