Hamish Falconer, the United Kingdom’s Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, declared on Wednesday that defending the rights of Afghan women and girls remains a top priority for the British government.
In a video statement, Falconer sharply criticized the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, describing their policies as “unacceptable.” He pledged to convene key stakeholders, including United Nations officials, to explore ways to address the issue in a manner that serves the interests of all Afghans.
“Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls’ secondary schools are closed,” Falconer said. He emphasized that the U.K. will continue to hold the Taliban accountable for their actions.
Falconer further condemned the Taliban’s recent bans on women pursuing medical education and their attempts to reinstate restrictions on women working for non-governmental organizations. He underscored that the Taliban cannot expect support or engagement from the international community unless they implement significant policy changes.
Over the past three years, Afghan women and girls have borne the brunt of the Taliban’s increasingly restrictive policies. Girls are prohibited from attending school beyond the sixth grade, and access to universities has been denied. Women and girls are also required to have a male guardian when leaving their homes, further curtailing their freedom.
The British government’s statement comes amid growing international outrage over the erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan. “We will not turn away,” Falconer said, reaffirming the U.K.’s commitment to advocating for the rights of Afghan women and girls.
