EU: Restrictions on Women Remain Major Obstacle to Improved Relations with Taliban

EU: Restrictions on Women Remain Major Obstacle to Improved Relations with Taliban
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The European Union has reiterated that restrictions on women and girls, alongside security concerns over militant groups operating in Afghanistan, remain significant obstacles to improving political relations with the Taliban authorities.

According to the report provided, Thomas Freilisen, identified as the EU special representative for Afghanistan, made the remarks during a two-day visit to Kabul and meetings with Taliban officials. He reportedly stressed that progress on women’s rights and security commitments would be important to any improvement in relations.

The report also states that the EU linked the effective delivery of European humanitarian assistance in healthcare and education to women’s meaningful participation in providing and distributing services. Such participation is a longstanding concern for international aid organisations working in Afghanistan, where restrictions on female staff can impede access to women and girls in need.

The EU has repeatedly raised concerns over Taliban policies restricting women’s access to education, employment and public life, as well as the presence of armed extremist groups in Afghanistan. European engagement with the authorities has therefore continued alongside calls for changes to these policies and compliance with security commitments.