Potzel: The United Nations is trying to bring Afghanistan closer to the world

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: Marks Potzel, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Afghanistan (UNAMA) made these remarks in an interview with the United Nations Television.
 
Potzel said: "We are trying to build communication bridges between Afghanistan and the world because isolation and keeping this country on the sidelines is not an option."
 
Potzel emphasized on the abolition of restrictions against women and girls and said that there is no other option in the field of education of girls and women as well as their human rights.
 
The political deputy of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) added: "The situation is getting worse for the United Nations because Afghan women are currently not allowed to work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), nor are they allowed to work for the United Nations."
 
According to him, there are tens of thousands of households headed by women in the country, because a large number of male members of the families have lost their lives in the war.
 
Potzel added that without women, NGOs and the United Nations would not be able to function properly, and thus, fewer people would be able to access aid.
 
He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate should allow girls to go to school and university and also allow women to work.
 
Putzel said that if the restrictions against women are lifted, "I can imagine that Afghanistan will be reintegrated into the international community, and international donors will reconsider and possibly strengthen their engagement with Afghanistan."