Nearly 40 Countries at UN Condemn Taliban Policies Toward Women, Girls in Afghanistan

Nearly 40 Countries at UN Condemn Taliban Policies Toward Women, Girls in Afghanistan
——————————————
A group of nearly 40 member states at the United Nations has condemned policies by the Taliban restricting the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, according to a joint statement delivered during a session of the United Nations Security Council.

The statement was presented ahead of a Security Council briefing on the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), where representatives discussed the human rights situation of women in the country following the wide-ranging restrictions imposed since the Taliban returned to power.

The signatory countries expressed solidarity with Afghan women and girls, stating that policies preventing girls from accessing education and limiting women’s participation in the workforce violate fundamental rights and could have long-term social and economic consequences for Afghanistan.

The countries said their position aligns with international initiatives, including the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, which advocate for the protection of women’s rights in conflict-affected regions.

The statement also noted that despite repeated calls from the international community to lift restrictions on women and girls, the policies remain in place, raising ongoing concerns about the human rights situation in Afghanistan.