Afghanistan: Head of UN Women condemns intimidation, targeted killings of female Afghan officials | Mike Hitchen Online: i On Global Trends

17.9.13

Afghanistan: Head of UN Women condemns intimidation, targeted killings of female Afghan officials | Mike Hitchen Online: i On Global Trends: UN - 16 September 2013 – The head of the United Nations body tasked with promoting women’s rights today condemned the intimidation and targeted killings of female Afghan officials and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The latest victim is the top woman police officer in the southern province of Helmand, 38-year-old Sub-Inspector Negar, who died today of bullet wounds from an insurgent attack that occurred on Sunday. She took up her post in July when her predecessor, Islam Bibi, was shot by unknown gunmen.

“Violence against women in Afghanistan is pervasive and increasing,” Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women), said in a statement.