Taliban Implements Ban on Women Visiting Band-e-Amir National Park in Afghanistan

Taliban Bans Women from Visiting Band-e-Amir National Park in Afghanistan

In a further blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban has announced a ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir National Park. This comes as the extremist group tightens its grip on the country and imposes more repressive measures.

Band-e-Amir National Park, located in central Bamiyan province, was known for employing Afghanistan’s first-ever female park rangers. However, under the Taliban’s rule, women will not only be barred from working in the park but also from visiting it.

The announcement was made by Afghanistan’s Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, on Saturday. Bamiyan province is one of the poorest and least developed regions in the country.

Established in 2019 through a collaboration between the local Afghan government and international agencies such as USAID and the United Nations Development Programme, Band-e-Amir National Park was considered a peaceful oasis. It featured deep blue lakes surrounded by mountains, offering a respite from the turmoil of everyday life.

Heather Barr, associate director of women’s rights at Human Rights Watch, expressed her concern over the ban. She stated that it demonstrates how “the walls are closing in on women” within Afghanistan. Barr further criticized the Taliban for not only depriving girls and women of education, employment, and free movement but also for taking away their access to parks, sports, and now even nature.

“This latest ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir shows that step by step, the walls are closing in on women as every home becomes a prison,” Barr added.

The Taliban’s increasing restrictions on women’s rights have sparked international outrage and concern. Many fear a return to the oppressive regime that characterized the group’s previous rule in the late 1990s.

As Afghanistan faces an uncertain future under Taliban control, the plight of Afghan women remains a pressing issue. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of women’s rights in the country.

What are some of the restrictions that the Taliban is imposing on Afghan women, as highlighted by the recent ban on visiting Band-e-Amir National Park?

Taliban’s Latest Blow to Women’s Rights: Band-e-Amir National Park Off-Limits for Afghan Women

The Taliban’s grip on Afghanistan tightens as it imposes more repressive measures and deals another blow to women’s rights. In an unsettling announcement, the extremist group recently banned women from visiting Band-e-Amir National Park. This move is just one example of the increasing restrictions the Taliban is imposing on Afghan women.

Once known for employing Afghanistan’s first-ever female park rangers, Band-e-Amir National Park, located in central Bamiyan province, has now become inaccessible to women. Under the Taliban’s rule, females are not only barred from working in the park but are also prohibited from enjoying its serene beauty.

Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, Afghanistan’s Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, made the announcement on Saturday. Bamiyan province, one of the poorest regions in the country, has been hit hard by this latest restriction.

Band-e-Amir National Park, established in 2019 through collaboration between the local Afghan government and international agencies like USAID and the United Nations Development Programme, was once considered a peaceful oasis. With its deep blue lakes surrounded by mountains, the park provided solace and respite from the turmoil of everyday life.

Human Rights Watch’s associate director of women’s rights, Heather Barr, expressed her deep concern over this ban. She believes it showcases how quickly “the walls are closing in on women” in Afghanistan. Barr also criticized the Taliban for systematically stripping girls and women of their education, employment opportunities, and freedom to move, highlighting that now even access to parks, sports, and nature itself is being taken away from them.

“This latest ban on women visiting Band-e-Amir shows that step by step, the walls are closing in on women as every home becomes a prison,” Barr added.

International outrage and concern have been sparked by the Taliban’s mounting restrictions on women’s rights. Many fear a return to the oppressive regime that characterized the group’s previous rule in the late 1990s.

As Afghanistan navigates an uncertain future under Taliban control, the plight of Afghan women remains an urgent issue. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of women’s rights within the country.