Vital Concerns for the World: Afghan Women Seek Death by Fire

Friday, November 17, 2006

Afghan Women Seek Death by Fire

A new BBC report says that the number of young women in Afghanistan setting fire to themselves to escape abuse has been increasing dramatically. 36 cases in Kabul this year, and incidents are reported every day in Herat. "It is the final decision for women who don't have any other way to solve their problems." The practice has been noted in Iran among women similarly trapped in what they regard as hopeless situations but it is relatively new to Afghanistan.
RLC

Afghan Women Seek Death by Fire
Published: November 15, 2006 (BBC)

Increasing numbers of Afghan women are committing suicide by setting fire to themselves to escape difficult lives, according to NGOs based in the country.
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