FIGO releases statement for the respect of the health, rights and wellbeing of women and girls globally
The recent overwhelming political power shift in Afghanistan has raised international concern for the health and wellbeing of women and girls. The fear of eroding the already fragile status of women’s health and rights in the country is mounting amid media reports of women having their movement and access to health care restricted.
Regardless of location, women and girls can only achieve their full potential in terms of education, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), professional opportunities and personal wellbeing, when attention is paid to all aspects of their health and care, and to enhancing the status of women and girls.
The right to health holds true wherever women and girls live, regardless of their legal status – it cannot be sacrificed or compromised even when political turmoil places individuals at such risk. The FIGO Committee on Human Rights, Refugees and Violence Against Women aims to recognise, promote and protect the human rights of women and girls facing such situations.
The rights of women and girls are particularly pertinent when women face turmoil from war and political unrest. FIGO supports the internationally established and recognised ethical and human rights principles, and reminds all states, organisations and individuals that a substantive framework exists – and must be applied – to ensure that gender equality becomes integral to conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction and accountability.