UN Chief: A Patriarchal System Denies Women Their Basic Rights in Afghanistan

The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, with participation from high-ranking officials of 100 countries, Khaama Press reported. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the grim state of human rights in Afghanistan, emphasizing that a patriarchal system has denied girls the right to education and women their fundamental rights.

Guterres condemned the Taliban’s restrictions on women, which have intensified over the past three years, prohibiting them from attending school, university, or working. He called for global responsibility to address these violations.

The session will last eight days, with discussions on Afghanistan scheduled for February 28. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative, announced that Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur, will present a report focusing on the Taliban’s oppressive measures against women, particularly following the decree from the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.