The Taliban authorities defend their actions, claiming that their policies align with their interpretation of Islamic law, which they argue guarantees the rights of both men and women.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban authorities to reverse a ban that prohibits Afghan women from working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), calling the decision a severe blow to human rights and humanitarian efforts.
The call follows a directive issued on December 26 by Afghanistan’s de facto Ministry of Economy. The directive contained a warning to national and international NGOs that their licenses would be revoked if they employed Afghan women. The order enforces a decree issued two years ago, further restricting women’s participation in public life.
Turk warned that this move will greatly exacerbate the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where more than half of the country’s population lives in poverty.
“I am deeply alarmed at the recent announcement by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan that non-governmental organisations’ licenses will be revoked if they continue to employ Afghan women,” Türk said in a statement on Tuesday. “This is absolutely the wrong path being taken.” He emphasised that the ban undermines NGOs’ ability to provide life-saving assistance in a country where more than half the population lives in poverty.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with the country reliant on NGOs to deliver critical aid to its people, including women, men, and children. Türk warned that the restriction would disproportionately harm the most vulnerable and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Aligns with Islamic law?
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women and girls have been systematically erased from public life. The administration has barred girls from education beyond primary school, restricted women’s employment, and limited their access to public spaces such as parks. A recent law even prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public, encouraging them to “veil” their voices and bodies outside their homes.
“No country can progress – politically, economically, or socially – while excluding half of its population from public life,” Türk said, urging the Taliban to revoke the discriminatory decree and restore women and girls’ access to education, employment, and essential services.
The Taliban authorities defend their actions, claiming that their policies align with their interpretation of Islamic law, which they argue guarantees the rights of both men and women. However, the international community, including the United Nations, has labelled these actions as “gender apartheid” and condemned the ongoing marginalization of Afghan women.
Türk’s statement underscores the critical role Afghan women play in delivering humanitarian aid and contributing to the country’s development. “For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course,” he concluded.
As international pressure mounts, the fate of Afghan women remains a pivotal issue in the global debate on human rights and Afghanistan’s future.
“I once again urge the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to revoke this deeply discriminatory decree, and all other measures which seek to eradicate women and girls’ access to education, work and public services, including healthcare, and that restrict their freedom of movement,” Türk said.
Image: IPS/Shelly Kittleson
