KABUL - On Human Rights Day, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) joins the global call to recognize human rights as our everyday essentials—the foundation that makes life dignified and provides for opportunity and security in daily life.

This year’s global theme reminds us that rights are not abstract ideals, but the daily conditions that allow people to live with dignity: the right to education, to health, to work, to express oneself, and to participate fully in society.

In Afghanistan, these essentials remain out of reach for too many.

Women and girls continue to face severe restrictions on education, employment, and participation in public life, undermining their fundamental rights and the country’s future. Access to health services is uneven, leaving families vulnerable and communities weakened.

Large numbers of Afghans continue to be involuntarily returned to the country, with certain groups – namely women, individuals affiliated with the former government and its security forces, civil society and media workers – at risk of reprisals and other human rights violations in Afghanistan.

UNAMA emphasizes that Afghanistan’s de facto authorities must bring themselves closer to their international human rights obligations. Doing so is not only a matter of compliance with global norms but a practical path toward peace, resilience, and development for the country and its people. Respecting rights strengthens trust, fosters inclusion, and lays the groundwork for a society where every person in Afghanistan can contribute to recovery.

“Human rights are not optional. They are the everyday essentials that sustain life. For Afghanistan, ensuring women and girls can learn, work, and participate fully is indispensable to recovery. We urge the de facto authorities to take concrete steps to align with international obligations and to open space for Afghanistan and all its people to thrive,” said Georgette Gagnon, Officer in Charge of UNAMA and Deputy Special-Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted 77 years ago, remains a compass in turbulent times. Its promise of equality, justice, freedom, and dignity is as relevant today in Afghanistan as anywhere else. Upholding these principles is the surest way to overcome division, poverty, and conflict.

“Everyday essentials—education, health, livelihoods, and freedom—are rights that must be afforded to all Afghans. Yet too many are denied them, especially women and girls. Human rights must be at the center of Afghanistan’s path forward. They serve as a bridge between survival and hope,” said Fiona Frazer, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan.

On this Human Rights Day, UNAMA calls on all stakeholders—authorities, communities, and international partners—to reaffirm their commitment to human rights as the bedrock of Afghanistan’s recovery.