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News (Consolidated) - UNSOM

Birth registration essential to child rights, says UN official

MAZAR-E-SHARIF - Birth registration numbers have grown in Afghanistan’s northern region, with the support of a UN project designed to help prevent child labour, counter child marriage and otherwise protect the rights of…
News Stories

UNAMA condemns suicide attack in Kabul city

KABUL - UNAMA condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s suicide attack in the Macorayan area of Kabul city that killed 12 and injured at least 88 others, including 13 children and 21 women. The attack was carried out on a…

TV debate canvasses Afghan election issues

MAZAR-E-SHARIF - A UNAMA-supported debate in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif tackled some of the key electoral issues facing Afghanistan today. A panel of experts shared their perspectives on the theme 'Election and…
News Stories
The rail line linking Mazar-e-Sharif to Hairatan at the Uzbek-Afghan border. (Photo: Sayed Barez)

Afghanistan’s railroad plans on track

KABUL - Long isolated even from its neighbours, Afghanistan may soon find itself at the centre of a Central Asian railroad network that promises to unlock new trade routes and spur economic development. The aim is to use…
In Kabul, female athletes compete for a spot on the Afghan running team. (Photo: Eric Kanalstein)

Afghan women break new ground through sport

On a hot sunny afternoon in May in Kabul, over a hundred schoolgirls, ranging between 13 and 16 years of age and wearing sports clothes and headscarves emblazoned with the flag of Afghanistan, ran as fast as they could. The…
A young girl making garments in Herat. (Photo: Fardin Waezi)

Developing women’s entrepreneurship

Twelve years ago, the future prospects for Herat resident Sadiqa Tamasuki looked bleak. Her husband had passed away, leaving her to handle the upbringing and care of their six children on her own. Previously a full-time…

New film focuses on child marriage issue

A new animation produced by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will highlight the traumatic experiences of young girls forcefully entered into child marriage. ‘Teacher Malalai’s Adventures: Zarmina’s Early Marriage’ will…

Socio-demographic survey rolls out in Kabul

KABUL - Preparations are underway to roll out a socio-demographic and economic survey in Kabul Province, with the aim of collecting reliable data which can help guide the development policies and programmes of the Afghan…