Afghanistan: Concerns over escalating violence against women

Officials from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission have expressed serious concern about escalating violence against women in the country, Khaama Press reports.

According to Dr Suraya Sobhrang, AIHRC Commissioner, more than 2400 cases of violence against women have been registered during the past six months, compared with around 2700 cases registered during the previous year.

According to Dr Sobhrang, domestic violence accounts for approximately 90% of these cases.

The majority of cases had been recorded in the cities of Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, as well as the provinces of Herat, Nangahar and Faryab.

Further, the AIHRC had noted a range of serious issues resulting from violence experienced by Afghan women, including self burning, suicide attempts, house escaping attempts, divorce cases, prostitution and psychological distress.

Dr Sima Samar, AIHRC Chairperson, said the rate of violence against Afghan women would fall dramatically if offenders faced trials.

Date: 20 November 2011