US Appoints Special Envoy for Women and Human Rights Just Over 4 Months After Afghanistan Withdrawal

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The U.S. government has appointed a special envoy to address Afghan women and human rights issues just over four months after withdrawing troops from Afghanistan.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on the 29th (local time) that Lina Amiri, a former official who served as a senior advisor to the Afghan special envoy during the Obama administration, has been appointed as the Special Envoy for Afghan Women and Human Rights. Special Envoy Amiri is a former State Department official who has provided advice related to Afghanistan for over 20 years at the State Department, the United Nations (UN), and think tanks.

Secretary Blinken emphasized, "(Special Envoy Amiri) will work on issues that are critically important to U.S. national security as a special envoy," adding, "These include the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, girls, and people of all diversities in crisis." He further stated, "We hope for a peaceful, stable, and secure Afghanistan," and "We will work closely with Special Envoy Amiri to ensure that all Afghans can live well politically, economically, and socially."

This special envoy appointment was made about four months after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in August. Since the withdrawal, in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, measures reminiscent of the first Taliban regime’s human rights abuses have continued, such as banning women from traveling long distances without a close male relative accompanying them.

On the same day, the State Department appointed Stephanie Foster as Senior Advisor for Afghan Women and Human Rights. Secretary Blinken noted, "(Senior Advisor Stephanie Foster’s) diverse public and private sector experience and passion for promoting the safety and equality of women will help advance the CARE (Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts) team."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.