Portugal (Web Desk): The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s continued restrictions on Afghan women and girls, saying the policies have affected virtually every aspect of their lives.
In a statement, the UN chief said restrictions preventing women from fully participating in public life, pursuing education and working in several sectors violate their fundamental rights.
He warned that such measures continue to pose a serious obstacle to Afghanistan’s economic development, stability and efforts to reintegrate with the international community.
The UN Secretary-General also noted that it has been a year since Afghan women were barred from accessing UN compounds across Afghanistan.
He said the restrictions are inconsistent with international law, including the UN Charter, and have weakened the organisation’s ability to fulfil its mandate and provide life-saving and other assistance to the Afghan people at a time when humanitarian needs remain high.
The UN chief renewed his call for the de facto Afghan authorities to immediately lift the ban preventing Afghan women from working for the United Nations and to guarantee their safe and unrestricted access to UN premises across the country.
He further urged the Taliban authorities to remove all restrictions imposed on women and girls and respect their right to participate fully, equally and meaningfully in every aspect of Afghan society.