Taliban's Rampant Oppression: UN Chief Exposes Disturbing Reality for Afghan Women and Girls
The United Nations' human rights chief condemns the Taliban's assault on Afghan people's freedoms, particularly women's rights. He calls on UN member states to address the void left by stripped-back protections. The Taliban's oppressive practices must be condemned and institutional protections restored.
The Taliban's systematic assault on the freedom and rights of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, has been condemned by the United Nations' human rights chief, Volker Turk. In a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk highlighted the collapse of human rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power over two years ago. He called on UN member states to step in and address the void left by the stripped-back institutional protections. Turk described the level of oppression faced by Afghan women and girls as "immeasurably cruel." Afghanistan stands as the only country in the world where women and girls are denied access to secondary and higher education, setting a devastating precedent.
The Taliban, who regained control of the country on August 15, 2021, have not lived up to their initial promise of a more moderate approach. Instead, they have gradually reintroduced their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Apart from barring girls and women from education beyond sixth grade, the Taliban have restricted their participation in most employment opportunities and public spaces. Women have reported being harassed or beaten at checkpoints for failing to wear the hijab, and they have been ordered to return home from markets if not accompanied by a male guardian.
The exclusion of female lawyers and judges from practicing law further limits the ability of women and girls to obtain legal representation and access justice. The international community has expressed outrage at the Taliban's actions. However, top officials, including supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, have urged other nations to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan's internal affairs. The Taliban have yet to respond to the UN report. The situation in Afghanistan necessitates immediate attention and action to protect the rights and freedoms of its people, especially women and girls. The international community must stand united in condemning the Taliban's oppressive practices and work towards restoring the institutional protections that have been dismantled.
