International sexual and reproductive healthcare organisations have joined calls for the global community to do all it can to protect and support the people of Afghanistan.

The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, has co-signed a statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) confirming their commitment to the people of Afghanistan.

“The people of Afghanistan need our support now more than ever. Our organisations are committed to helping and protecting them. We will stay in Afghanistan and we will deliver.”

In an earlier statement released by UNFPA, UNFPA’s Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem spoke directly to the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan.

“UNFPA remains firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people and upholding the hard-won rights of women and girls. A durable peace and sustainable development require the inclusion of all of society. The human rights and dignity of all Afghans must be respected and protected and international humanitarian law upheld.”

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has also expressed its deep concern about the unfolding situation in Afghanistan and has asked for “those in power to preserve the enormous gains made in life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare for Afghan women and girls, and to continue working with the partners and NGOs that provide these services.”  

Read the full statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) - Afghanistan.

Read the IPPF’s statement on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.