More

    UN Human Rights Chief Calls on Taliban to Reverse NGO Employment Ban on Afghan Women

    CountriesAfghanistanUN Human Rights Chief Calls on Taliban to Reverse...
    - Advertisment -

    UN Human Rights Chief Calls on Taliban to Reverse NGO Employment Ban on Afghan Women

    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.

    - Advertisement -

    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

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    India Among Six Most Affected Countries by Extreme Weather Events

    The long-term assessment of the CRI 2025, covering data from 1993 to 2022, places India as the sixth most affected country globally due to extreme weather events. Over this period, India reported a staggering loss of 80,000 lives and economic damages amounting to $200 billion.

    Calculated, Coordinated Crackdown – UN Report Uncovers Systematic Repression in Bangladesh Protests

    The mass mobilisation saw participation from people across different backgrounds, including women and children. Faced with this growing opposition, the former government resorted to increasingly violent means to maintain power. The UN report describes a deliberate strategy orchestrated at the highest levels of the former administration.

    Adani Green Energy Withdraws from $1 Billion Wind Power Project in Sri Lanka

    There has been a raging debate in Sri Lanka on the deal, citing it as an expensive deal. The earlier government had agreed to purchase power from Adani’s 484-megawatt wind power project at a rate of 8.26 US cents per unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

    IMF Chief Reaffirms Support for Pakistan’s Reforms in Meeting with Shehbaz Sharif

    Georgieva praised Pakistan’s efforts in implementing the IMF-supported program, acknowledging the country’s improving economic performance with rising growth and declining inflation. She recognized Pakistan’s economic recovery and noted that it is on a positive trajectory.
    - Advertisement -

    In the Lok Sabha: Government Reports Significant Progress on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

    Eligible projects include warehouses, silos, cold chains, logistics facilities, and smart precision agriculture infrastructure. Loan applicants must contribute at least 10 per cent of the project cost, and an entity can apply for up to 25 projects, each eligible for a loan of up to Rs. 2 crore.

    In the Lok Sabha: Over 68,000 Lakes Constructed as Part of Mission Amrit Sarovar

    With the successful completion of more than 68,000 Sarovars ahead of schedule, the government has now launched the second phase of Mission Amrit Sarovar. This phase will emphasise ensuring sustainable water availability and climate resilience, with community participation (Jan Bhagidari) being the core focus.

    Must read

    India Among Six Most Affected Countries by Extreme Weather Events

    The long-term assessment of the CRI 2025, covering data from 1993 to 2022, places India as the sixth most affected country globally due to extreme weather events. Over this period, India reported a staggering loss of 80,000 lives and economic damages amounting to $200 billion.

    Calculated, Coordinated Crackdown – UN Report Uncovers Systematic Repression in Bangladesh Protests

    The mass mobilisation saw participation from people across different backgrounds, including women and children. Faced with this growing opposition, the former government resorted to increasingly violent means to maintain power. The UN report describes a deliberate strategy orchestrated at the highest levels of the former administration.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you