The Afghan government has formed a special secretariat to probe reports of sexual harassment against women in public institutions.

The office will operate within the framework of Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Sunday. 

“The main objective of this secretariat is to investigate recent allegations related to sexual abuse of women in government and non-government institutions in a transparent way,” Sediqqi said. 

“This secretariat provides a specific address for the women in Afghanistan and those who have become the victims of such incidents whether at the Presidential Palace or other institutions,” said Latifa Sultani, member of the human rights commission. 

Some MPs said the members of the new secretariat should act impartially. 

“Members of this secretariat should be impartial and should act independently,” said Fatima Aziz, an MP. 

The secretariat is expected to investigate the allegations within the next three months.