The United Nations Security Council has urged the Taliban to reverse “oppressive measures” against women
On Friday, 11 member states of the UN Security Council called on the Taliban in power in Kabul to lift “all oppressive measures” taken against women in Afghanistan. The call was made by Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, France, Gabon, Japan, Malta, Great Britain, and the USA in a closed-door meeting regarding the situation in this country. “We urge the Taliban to cancel all oppressive measures against women and girls,” Japanese Ambassador Ishikane Kimihiro told the press on behalf of the 11 countries. The signatories of the call asked the Taliban to respect the rights of women and girls, “as well as their full, equal, and meaningful participation and inclusion in all areas of society, from politics and economy to education and public space.”
The call comes after the exclusion of Afghan women and girls from schools and universities and the ban on the employment of women by national and international NGOs. According to the statement, because of this measure, “NGOs will no longer be able to reach the people who are most in need of vital materials and services, especially women and girls.” As a result of that ban, pronounced on December 24 by the Taliban government, several humanitarian organizations decided to suspend their activitiesternational NGOs. According to the statement, because of this measure, “NGOs will no longer be able to reach the people who are most in need of vital materials and services, especially women and girls.” As a result of that ban, pronounced on December 24 by the Taliban government, several humanitarian organizations decided to suspend their activities. However, the UN decided to continue its operations: “The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan must remain at the top of the Security Council’s agenda.” It should be noted that, after the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan banned women’s access to higher education, Iran announced that it is considering adding university places for Afghan female students who want to continue their studies. We remind you that a few days ago, the Taliban government in Afghanistan ordered the closure of all women’s beauty salons and prohibited Afghan women from working in shopping centers, according to the Arab television station Al-Arabiya, reports the APA agency.
By Paul Bumman
