Monitoring Desk
KABUL: Afghan nationals are calling for more international support following increasingly restrictive edicts issued by the Taliban authorities, as the US special representative for Afghanistan began a visit on Monday aimed at refining a global response to support the country.
The Taliban administration has introduced a series of restrictions on Afghan women since taking control in 2021, including barring women from secondary schools and universities. Authorities in December ordered all foreign NGOs to ban women employees, though those in healthcare were allowed to return to work earlier this month.
The moves drew widespread reaction, with high-ranking leaders of major international organizations and UN officials visiting Afghanistan this month to try and reverse the Taliban’s crackdown on girls and women.
Afghans hope US representative’s visit to support them
Special Representative of the US for Afghanistan Thomas West will travel to Pakistan, Switzerland, and Germany on a mission to “consult with partners, humanitarian relief organizations, and Afghans,” the US State Department said in a statement.
“Special Representative for Afghanistan will work with counterparts to refine a unified regional and international response that reflects a collective commitment to Afghan girls and women’s rights and access to vital aid,” the statement added.
Afghans are hopeful that the West’s visit could benefit Afghanistan, with some urging the international community to increase pressure on the Taliban.
Life in Afghanistan has become increasingly difficult for girls and women, said Shamsia Hassanzadah, a member of the Afghan Women’s Network and former director of Star Education Center in Kabul, who was affected by the ban on women working for NGOs.
Afghanistan needs more support from the UN and the global community, according to women’s rights activist Farimah Nikkhwah, who was also affected by the recent ban.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said last week following a Kabul visit that Taliban ministers are working on new guidelines to allow women more freedom in humanitarian work.
