KABUL - As part of a range of media activities to highlight 16 days of activism to end violence against women, Kabul-based outlet Zan TV aired a one hour programme to underscore that a life free from all forms of violence is the right of every Afghan woman and girl.

Participating in the programme was Abul Ahrar Ramizpoor, a member of UNAMA’s Human Rights team. Ramizpoor outlined how gender-based violence is a global issue, affecting millions each year, particularly the most vulnerable, including Afghan women and girls. He said that violence against women, including harassment and harmful practices, is major barrier to women and girls enjoying their fundamental human rights, and is a direct challenge to women’s inclusion and participation in sustaining peace.

“UNAMA continues to monitor Afghan women’s human rights situation, and continues to work for positive change,” Ramizpoor said.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marked every year by the United Nations on 25 November, represents the start of the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s 16 Days theme, ‘Leave No One Behind,’ was designed to underscore the importance of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which commits to eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

The UN family in Afghanistan has always stressed that alongside the effective legal and institutional mechanisms for access to justice, stopping violence against women requires an effort from all of us, from every individual, to speak out against violence in homes, workplaces and social settings.

Zan TV, a television station operated primarily by Afghan women and broadcast from Kabul, covers news and current events in and around Afghanistan.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.