Today (Thursday, November 25) is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called for solidarity and commitment to end violence against women and girls.

According to UNAMA, Afghanistan has the highest rate of violence against women globally, with nine out of ten women experiencing at least one form of violence in their lifetime. In addition, UNAMA says violence against women is mainly perpetrated by people close to them."

Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, with 9 out of 10 women committing at least one form of violence in their lifetime," the UNAMA newsletter said. "They experienced it from someone close to them."

Worldwide, however, according to a UNAMA newsletter, one in three women in their life experiences some form of violence more than those close to them. The UN Mission in Afghanistan says gender-based violence is a severe threat to women and girls and a significant obstacle to sustainable development and peace.

Debra Lines, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, says all people must take action against violence against women. "We must work together to combat this invisible epidemic," he said. "Violence must be prevented. We must change attitudes that embarrass survivors and support violence. Finally, we must support services for survivors."

On the other hand, UNAMA says that recent political changes in Afghanistan and restrictions on women, especially girls' right to education and women's work, have increased violence against them. Therefore, UNAMA calls on the international community to provide the necessary support to Afghan women."The international community must listen to the voices and experiences of Afghan women and girls and respond immediately to their needs, especially the survivors of violence and those facing various forms of discrimination," the statement said.

"The message we are receiving from our partners and women across the country is clear - violence against women, previously at alarming levels, has been exacerbated by the crisis and the Quaid-19," said Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative in Afghanistan.