The United Nations has warned that four years after the Taliban’s return to power, there is a risk that the complete removal of women from public life could become an accepted reality in Afghanistan.
In a report released by the organization, it is stated that the Taliban are now closer than ever to achieving their goal of creating a “without women society.” According to the report, since 2021, around 100 restrictive decrees against women and girls have been issued, none of which have been repealed.
Susan Ferguson, representative of the UN Women’s office in Afghanistan, warned, “If we allow Afghan women and girls to be silenced, we are sending the message that the rights of women and girls anywhere in the world can be disregarded; and this will set a very dangerous precedent.”
The UN Women’s office also said that continued restrictions on access to health services could increase the maternal mortality rate by up to 50 percent by 2026. Cases of child marriage and violence against women are also on the rise.
It is worth noting that the Taliban, upon taking control of Afghanistan, have widely violated the fundamental rights of the country’s women and girls. Currently, women and girls in Afghanistan are deprived of the right to education and work. Despite repeated global calls to restore women’s rights, these restrictions continue to be imposed by the Taliban.
