“Progress in implementing the EVAW law contributes to deterring harmful practices and protecting women from violence in their daily lives,” said the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, Jan Kubis.
Kubis added that the international community has firm expectations of the Afghan government in its implementation of the measure.
The law, which was enacted in 2009, criminalizes child marriage, forced marriage, the buying and selling of women for the purpose of marriage, rape and beating, and other crimes.
The measure was enacted by presidential decree and hasn’t gained parliamentary approval, a U.N. statement said.
A recent report produced in December 2012 found that the overall use of the law remained low.
The UNAMA made 29 recommendations to the government and its international partners in the report, urging them to ensure that women’s rights are protected.
Copyright 2013 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).
