UNITED NATIONS: In a compelling address to the 54th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, issued a passionate plea to the Taliban, calling upon them to reconsider and reverse their stringent policies that have significantly curtailed the rights and freedoms of Afghan women. Bennett’s heartfelt appeal urged the Taliban to permit women to participate in the workforce and run businesses, including providing essential services through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations (UN).
Bennett highlighted the dire consequences of the recent restrictions imposed by the interim Afghan government, which have led to the loss of jobs for approximately 60,000 women. He noted that the Taliban has continued to tighten their grip on women’s activities, even going so far as to prohibit beauty salons, effectively eliminating one of the few remaining safe spaces for Afghan women.
The restrictions placed on Afghan women, particularly in terms of access to education and employment, also raised concerns among representatives from various countries attending the meeting. Lubna Qassim, the UAE Deputy Representative to the UN Human Rights Council, emphasized the substantial humanitarian challenges confronting Afghanistan, warning that these challenges could have a detrimental impact on Afghan society and its future.
Qassim expressed dismay at the lack of progress in areas such as the ban on universities, the denial of education to girls, and the exclusion of women from working and participating in civil society and international humanitarian organizations. She called for immediate action to address these issues and safeguard the rights and freedom of all Afghans, particularly women and girls.
The Pakistan Deputy Representative to the UN Human Rights Council, Zaman Mehdi, also urged the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to take concrete steps towards the resumption of female education. He emphasized the vital role women can play in contributing to Afghan society and called for the full respect of the rights and freedoms of all Afghans, regardless of gender.
Mehdi additionally expressed deep concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian, human rights, and socio-economic conditions in Afghanistan, reflecting the international community’s growing unease over the situation.
In response to these concerns, the Islamic Emirate, the de facto government of Afghanistan, asserted that the rights of women are being observed within the framework of Islamic law. Spokesperson Mujahid stated that Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and the rights of its citizens are determined by Islamic Sharia. He emphasized that the Afghan people desire the rights prescribed by Sharia law and reassured them that the government is committed to upholding these rights.
