Islamic Relief is calling on the Afghan authorities to immediately lift the ban on female NGO workers. The ban will have a devastating humanitarian impact on millions of vulnerable men, women and children across the country.

While the situation for female staff remains uncertain, Islamic Relief, along with numerous other NGOs, has taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend non-lifesaving activities in Afghanistan. This includes projects that support impoverished families to earn a living as well as education and some healthcare projects. Life-saving healthcare will continue.

Islamic Relief has worked in Afghanistan since 1999 and this year supported more than 1 million Afghans with food, healthcare, education and other critical aid, including providing transformational support to widows and orphans. This could simply not have been achieved without the efforts and expertise of our female staff.

It is not possible to carry out an effective humanitarian response, in accordance with humanitarian principles, if women are prevented from working.