The United Nations Security Council has issued a strong message to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, stating that the country cannot achieve peace, stability, or prosperity unless the restrictions on women and girls are lifted immediately. The bans currently prevent Afghan women from pursuing education, working, and speaking in public.
Taliban’s Policies on Women Draw Global Criticism
Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces after two decades of war, the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions on women. Under their regime:
- Women are banned from most jobs and public spaces.
- Education beyond sixth grade is prohibited for girls.
- Strict dress codes require women to wear full-body veils.
- Speaking in public is not allowed for women.
No country officially recognizes the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government, mainly due to these oppressive policies against women and girls.
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UN Urges Immediate Policy Reversal
The UN Security Council has urged the Taliban to “swiftly reverse these policies and practices” that violate the rights of women and girls.
Roza Otunbayeva, the UN special envoy leading the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), emphasized that the Taliban must choose whether they want Afghanistan to be part of the international community. “If so, they must be willing to take the necessary steps,” she stated.
While Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that protecting the “dignity, honour, and legal rights of women” is a priority under Islamic law and Afghan culture, many Islamic scholars and Muslim-majority countries have clarified that Islam does not prohibit women from education or employment.
Afghans Suffering Under Taliban Rule
Otunbayeva also highlighted growing dissatisfaction among Afghans over the Taliban’s strict rules, saying that while some have welcomed reduced conflict, the absence of war does not mean true peace. “This is not a peace where they can live in dignity with their human rights respected and with confidence in a stable future,” she added.
Afghanistan’s Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Afghanistan is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises globally:
- Over 23 million people—more than half the population—require urgent humanitarian aid.
- Causes include years of war, extreme poverty, climate shocks, and rapid population growth.
- Otunbayeva warned that funding cuts are worsening the situation, with over 200 health centres closed last month alone, impacting 1.8 million people, including severely malnourished children.
UN Raises Security Concerns, Demands Action Against Terrorism
The UN also called on the Taliban to step up efforts against terrorism. It condemned all forms of terrorist activity and made it clear that Afghanistan must not become a base for threats against other countries.
