Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has strongly criticized the Taliban’s restrictions on women, calling for their complete abolition and for the meaningful and equal participation of women in all aspects of Afghan society.
Guterres wrote on his X account on Tuesday, September 8, that he was deeply concerned about the continued discriminatory policies imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls.
The UN Secretary-General said that these restrictions affect every aspect of the lives of Afghan women.
He said: “Restrictions on their full participation in public life, education, and many areas of work violate their fundamental rights and remain a serious obstacle to economic development, stability, and the reintegration of Afghanistan into the international community.”
Guterres added that it has been one year since Afghan women were prevented from accessing United Nations offices across the country, and that these restrictions are contrary to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
This comes as, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, women have been deprived of education, schooling, employment, travel, and participation in public life.
