The Elusive Climb: Navigating Afghanistan's Social Ladder

Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic, multilingual society with a rich cultural heritage. It has a population of over 41 million people, with about a quarter of Afghans living in urban areas. The country has witnessed decades of war and is currently under the rule of the Taliban, which has enforced a strict interpretation of Sharia Law. Due to ongoing violence, human rights violations, and a high risk of terrorist attacks, many governments advise their citizens to avoid travelling to Afghanistan. The country faces challenges in terms of education and healthcare, with limited options for private and international education, and a lack of resources resulting in a public education system that does not meet western standards. Additionally, Afghanistan has one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world, with high maternal and infant mortality rates. However, Afghanistan also offers cultural and leisure attractions, including traditional folk music and dance, art galleries, and museums.

Education in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's education system has been devastated by over three decades of conflict. The country's children, especially girls, have been deprived of their right to education. In 2021, the Taliban banned girls from secondary education, and in 2022, they prohibited university education for females. This has sparked protests and international condemnation, with investigations by the United Nations into whether girls are allowed to study at religious schools.

Despite recent progress, completing primary school remains a distant dream for many children, especially in rural areas and for girls. In the poorest and most remote areas, enrolment levels vary, and girls still lack equal access. An estimated 3.7 million children are out of school in Afghanistan, 60% of whom are girls. The underlying reasons for low girls' enrolment include insecurity and traditional norms and practices related to women's roles in society. A lack of female teachers, especially in rural schools, further hinders girls' attendance. Only 16% of Afghanistan's schools are girls-only, and many lack proper sanitation facilities. Socio-cultural factors and traditional beliefs also undermine girls' education, with girls often marrying very young.

Access to education is a human right for every child. Organisations like UNICEF and USAID have been working to increase enrolment and retention, especially for the most vulnerable children and girls. They support the formal school system and the government's Community-Based Education (CBE) programme, establishing community-based schools and accelerated learning centres within a three-kilometre range of each child's community. These initiatives aim to provide alternative pathways to learning and increase educational opportunities for those in hard-to-reach areas.

Improving the quality of education is also a priority. UNICEF works with the Ministry of Education to enhance the learning environment and support the development of a national assessment framework for primary education. Additionally, they provide continuous technical and financial support to improve management practices and coordination at all levels.

Since 2008, USAID has helped increase access to education for three million Afghan girls, contributing to overall student enrolment of over 9.5 million in 2020, with 39% being girls. They have improved school infrastructure in rural areas, rehabilitated existing schools, and strengthened community-based education. To address the shortage of female teachers, USAID provided scholarships to nearly 11,500 women to attend teacher training colleges.

Despite these efforts, educational attainment and participation rates in Afghanistan remain low. The adult literacy rate in 2015 was estimated at 38%, significantly below the international average of 84% and neighbouring countries. Participation rates in basic and secondary education are also low, with less than a quarter of pupils completing the first nine years of education. Gender inequality, outdated teaching methods, and unqualified teachers continue to pose challenges.

Healthcare in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's healthcare system has been steadily progressing over the last 17 years, with increasing coverage of health services throughout the country. In 2018, there were 3,135 health facilities in operation, providing access to almost 87% of the population within a two-hour distance. However, despite these improvements, Afghanistan's healthcare system still lags behind that of its neighbouring countries.

Healthcare Provision

There are over 100 government-run and private or internationally-administered hospitals in Afghanistan. The most advanced medical treatments are available in Kabul, followed by Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif. The French Medical Institute for Children and the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul are the leading children's hospitals in the country.

Healthcare Challenges

One of the main challenges facing Afghanistan's healthcare system is the issue of accessibility. People in rural areas often have to travel vast distances to reach well-equipped and adequately staffed health facilities, and many cannot afford the journey without incurring debt. This is particularly true for women, who, due to cultural and societal restrictions, are required to be accompanied by a male relative when leaving the home. This restriction impedes their ability to access healthcare services, whether as patients, caregivers, or humanitarian workers.

Another challenge is the shortage of female healthcare providers, which affects the provision of life-saving services, especially for women and children. The decision by the Afghan government to bar women from employment in non-governmental organisations and from university-level education will likely exacerbate this issue and further hinder women's access to healthcare.

Impact of the Taliban Takeover

The Taliban takeover in 2021 has had a significant impact on the country's healthcare system. The temporary pause in funding to the health sector from the World Bank and other donors jeopardised the gains made in previous years. The Taliban's restrictions on education for girls and women will have direct and indirect impacts on the health of Afghans, as it will affect the training of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

International Support

International organisations, including the WHO and UNICEF, play a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan's healthcare system. UNICEF works with the Ministry of Public Health to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health care services and to expand immunisation programmes. The WHO has also implemented various programmes to strengthen the health system, such as establishing mobile health teams to provide basic health services to nomadic populations.

Future Prospects

While Afghanistan's healthcare system faces significant challenges, there are reasons for optimism. The country's National Health Policy 2015-2020 outlines a strategy for continued improvement, and international organisations remain committed to supporting the implementation of this policy. Additionally, the UN's release of emergency funds has helped prevent the collapse of basic health systems in the country.

Culture and Leisure in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in south-central Asia, bordering Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is a multi-ethnic society with diverse ethnic, linguistic, and tribal groups. The country is mostly rural, with over 60% of the population under 25 years of age. The culture is traditionally agricultural, with many people working as produce or livestock farmers at a subsistence level.

The country's culture has persisted for over three millennia, with records dating back to at least 500 BCE and the Achaemenid Empire. Afghanistan's culture has strong historical connections with nearby Persia, including shared religion and similar languages. The country's location at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia has made it a hub of diversity, dubbed the "roundabout of the ancient world" by one historian.

Language and Literature

Afghanistan has two official languages: Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto. Dari serves as the lingua franca for the majority of the population. In the northern and central areas, people usually speak Persian/Dari, while those in the south and east speak Pashto. In the west, both languages are spoken. Most citizens are bilingual, especially in major cities with multi-ethnic populations. Several other languages are spoken regionally, including Uzbek, Turkmen, and Balochi. English is becoming increasingly popular among the younger generation.

Poetry is a significant aspect of Afghan culture and has been a long-standing cultural tradition and passion. Classic Persian and Pashto poetry play an important role, with notable poets including Khushal Khan Khattak, Rahman Baba, and Massoud Nawabi.

Arts and Crafts

Afghan art includes the Persian miniature style, with Kamaleddin Behzad of Herat being a notable miniature artist of the Timurid and early Safavid periods. In the 1900s, Western techniques began to be used in Afghan art. Abdul Ghafoor Breshna, a painter and sketch artist from Kabul, is a prominent figure in modern Afghan art.

Ceramics and pottery are also produced in Afghanistan, with the village of Istalif being particularly famous for its turquoise-colored pottery.

Additionally, Afghanistan is known for its production of beautiful oriental rugs, with unique prints and patterns.

Music and Dance

Music has been suppressed due to the country's conflicts, and during the 1990s, the Taliban government banned instrumental music and public music-making. Despite this, Afghan music continued to flourish, with many musicians and singers performing in other countries, particularly in Pakistani cities like Peshawar, Karachi, and Islamabad. Kabul has long been the regional cultural capital.

Lyrics in Afghan music are typically in Dari-Persian and Pashto, but other languages like Uzbeki, Hazaragi, Hindi, and Western styles are also popular. Folk songs and ballads are commonly heard, with many songs known and sung by almost everyone for many years. The main traditional musical instruments include the rubab, harmonium, and tabla.

Attan is considered the national dance of Afghanistan.

Cuisine

The Afghan diet is based on cereals like wheat, maize, barley, and rice, which are the country's chief crops. Fresh and dried fruits are an essential part of the diet, and Afghanistan is well-known for its fine fruits, especially pomegranates, grapes, and jumbo-sized melons.

• Qabuli palao (traditional rice dish)
• Shorma (soup)
• Mantu (meat dumplings)
• Shola (sticky rice dish)
• Baunjan (cooked eggplant with potatoes and tomatoes)
• Bolani (Afghan flatbread or crêpes)

Sports and Leisure

Football is the most popular sport in Afghanistan, with the national team founded in 1922. Cricket has also gained popularity in recent years, with the national team holding matches against international teams since 2001.

Other sports promoted by the Afghan Sports Federation include basketball, volleyball, golf, handball, boxing, taekwondo, track and field, bowling, and skating.

Kite flying is a beloved pastime in Afghanistan, especially among children.

Safety and security for expats

Presently, expats are advised not to travel to Afghanistan due to ongoing violence, human rights violations, and the high risk of terrorist attacks. The country has witnessed decades of war, and violent clashes and terrorist attacks are common. The Taliban, who seized power in 2021, enforces a particularly harsh interpretation of Sharia Law.

If you are an expat already living in Afghanistan, or considering a move there, safety and security are the main concerns. In the past, expats in Afghanistan typically worked in the armed forces, private security field, or development and diplomatic sectors. They were usually housed within secure military compounds, surrounded by heavy security. However, the "hardship factor" and high risks to personal safety resulted in expats being well compensated financially.

• Visa and Work Permits: All foreigners travelling or moving to Afghanistan require a visa. Work visas require a letter of introduction from an employer or sponsor, and all foreigners need to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and Disabled in Kabul.
• Security Measures: Ensure that your accommodation is secure and regularly review your security measures. Keep others, including family and friends, informed of your travel plans. Avoid establishing regular patterns of travel and behaviour that could make you a target of an attack.
• Terrorism and Violent Attacks: Terrorist attacks are very likely to occur in Afghanistan, and multiple terrorist groups are active in the country, including Al-Qaida and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). These groups hold strong anti-western views and target public places frequented by foreign nationals, such as restaurants and hotels. There is also a high threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan, with foreigners and individuals associated with Western countries being specific targets.
• Taliban Rule: Afghanistan is currently under Taliban control, and the group has a very low tolerance for dissent. Foreign nationals' activities are viewed with suspicion, and there is a significant risk of detention, especially for those working in journalism, humanitarian aid, or other fields. If detained, you could face months or years in prison without a clear understanding of the charges. The Taliban enforces strict codes of dress for both men and women, and women face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement.
• Healthcare: Afghanistan has one of the least developed healthcare systems in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Therefore, international health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is crucial for expats. There are private hospitals in Kabul, such as Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital and the Afghan-German Hospital.
• Natural Disasters: Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and avalanches. Stay informed about regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities in case of natural disasters.
• Transport and Travel: Road travel is highly dangerous in Afghanistan due to poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, and the presence of terrorist and criminal groups. Avoid overland travel unless accompanied by armed security guards, and always travel in groups. When flying, use reputable international airlines as Kabul International Airport does not meet international aviation safety standards.
• Local Laws and Customs: Afghanistan is an Islamic country with laws and customs that differ significantly from Western countries. Be respectful of local religious and social traditions and dress conservatively. It is essential to abide by the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islam, including their restrictions on women's rights and freedoms.

The impact of the Taliban on Afghans

The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 has had a profound impact on the country and its people. Here are some key ways in which the Taliban's rule has affected Afghans:

Economic Crisis:

The Afghan economy has been in a state of crisis since the Taliban takeover. The country has experienced a rapid economic decline, with the economy contracting by 20.7% in 2021 and a further 6.2% in 2022. This has resulted in mass unemployment, a collapse in the housing market, and increased rates of malnutrition. The banking sector is paralysed due to sanctions against senior Taliban leaders, and the country has been cut off from the international financial system. The value of the Afghani currency has plummeted, causing a cost-of-living crisis with soaring import prices and inflation.

Humanitarian Crisis:

Afghanistan is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with two-thirds of the population requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. Over 17 million people face acute hunger, including 6 million at emergency levels of food insecurity. The public health system is on the brink of collapse, and the country is highly prone to natural hazards exacerbated by climate change.

Restriction of Women's Rights:

The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, prohibiting most girls from attending secondary school and banning women from attending and teaching at universities. Women have also been banned from working, including at local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This has had a significant economic impact, as the UN Development Program (UNDP) estimates that restricting women's employment could cost up to 5% of Afghanistan's gross domestic product (GDP).

Security and Human Rights Violations:

While physical security has improved in some areas, Afghanistan remains far from secure. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-KP) has carried out attacks targeting Shia and other minorities, and there have been targeted killings of high-profile Taliban supporters. The Taliban has also been accused of human rights violations, including intimidating journalists, restricting press freedoms, violently cracking down on demonstrations, and forcibly disappearing protesters and activists.

International Isolation:

The Taliban's rule has led to international isolation for Afghanistan. Many Western countries have shut down their diplomatic offices and refused to recognise or establish diplomatic ties with the Taliban government. The country has also lost access to the international banking system and foreign exchange reserves, further contributing to the economic crisis.

Reversal of Gains:

Any gains made in liberal and democratic rights and freedoms over the last two decades have been lost under the Taliban. Music has been banned, and practices such as flogging, amputations, and mass executions have been reintroduced. Afghans' civil and political rights enshrined in the constitution created by the previous U.S.-backed government have been threatened.

Impact on Education:

In addition to restricting girls' access to education, the Taliban's rule has had a broader impact on the education system. The previous government's spending on development projects, including education, had already fallen in recent years as resources were redirected towards security. Now, with the economy in crisis and international aid reduced, the education system is facing further challenges.

Healthcare Crisis:

The healthcare system in Afghanistan was already struggling before the Taliban takeover, and the situation has deteriorated further. Maternal mortality rates, which were already high, are thought to have increased fourfold. Basic healthcare services are lacking, and the system is unable to cope with the growing humanitarian crisis.

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