The United Nations and the Taliban discussed the latest restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan on Monday. Since Saturday, the government has banned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from hiring female employees. The UN wants the Taliban to reverse that policy change.
The deputy head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, Ramiz Alakbarov, spoke with the Afghan finance minister, Mohammad Hanif. “Millions of Afghans need humanitarian aid. It is therefore essential that these restrictions are lifted,” Alakbarov stressed.
The day before, some large foreign aid organizations had already announced that they would cease their activity in Afghanistan. According to them, it is impossible to help the Afghan people – and especially Afghan women – without the help of women.
NGOs risk their work permits if they continue to use women. According to the Taliban, there had been “many complaints” about female employees who did not follow the strict interpretation of the Islamic dress code.
The UN is not on the NGO list. However, the organization often contracts with Afghan-registered NGOs to carry out humanitarian work.
Since the Taliban returned to power last August, girls and women have lost more and more rights. This also causes criticism in Islamic countries such as Turkey, Iran and Pakistan.
