UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s continued discriminatory policies against Afghan women and girls, saying the restrictions affect every aspect of their lives.
In a statement by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief said restrictions on women’s participation in public life, education and employment violate their fundamental rights and remain a major obstacle to Afghanistan’s economic development, stability and reintegration into the international community.
The statement noted that September 7 marked one year since Afghan women were barred from accessing United Nations offices across the country. The UN said the restrictions are contrary to international law, including the UN Charter, and undermine the organisation’s ability to carry out its mandate and deliver life-saving assistance to Afghans at a time of significant humanitarian need.
Dujarric said unrestricted and safe access to workplaces for all UN staff is essential for carrying out the organisation’s mission and for providing assistance to vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, in a way that respects local cultural practices.
The UN Secretary-General has again called on the Taliban to immediately lift the restrictions on Afghan female UN staff and ensure their safe and unhindered access to UN premises across the country.
He also urged the Taliban to remove all restrictions imposed on women and girls and fully protect their rights to participate equally and effectively in all areas of Afghan society.
