GENEVA: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Tuesday asked Taliban authorities to revoke their ban on Afghan women working for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
The Taliban has threatened to shut down all national and foreign NGOs in Afghanistan that employ women. In a letter published on X, the Economy Ministry warned that failure to comply with the latest order would cause the NGOs to lose their licence to operate in Afghanistan.
“I am deeply alarmed at the recent announcement by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan that non-governmental organizations’ licenses will be revoked if they continue to employ Afghan women. This is absolutely the wrong path being taken,” Turk said in a statement.
He said that in a letter Thursday, the Taliban’s economy ministry ordered national and international NGOs to comply with a decree issued two years ago that bars them from employing Afghan women.
“The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with more than half the population living in poverty. NGOs play a vital role in providing critical life-saving assistance — to Afghan women, men, girls and boys — and this measure will directly impact the ability of the population to receive humanitarian aid,” said Turk.
“I once again urge the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to revoke this deeply discriminatory decree, and all other measures which seek to eradicate women and girls’ access to education, work and public services, including health care, and that restrict their freedom of movement,” he said.
“No country can progress — politically, economically or socially — while excluding half of its population from public life.”
“For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course.”
Read also: Pakistan Begins Construction of its Biggest Nuclear Power Reactor
Since the Taliban’s return to power, women have been barred from public spaces, prompting the United Nations to denounce the “gender apartheid” the administration has established.
The Taliban have also implemented a ban on constructing windows that could allow women in private spaces to be visible or expose them to the view of neighbouring houses.
This new directive, impacting building designs, was issued following an order from the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid explained that the ban aims to prevent “improper exposure,” citing concerns over women being observed while performing routine tasks like fetching water or working in the kitchen.
The Taliban’s decision has been widely condemned by global organisations, including the United Nations.
Taliban authorities have also banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places.
