In an address to the UN Human Rights Council during its 55th session, the United Kingdom issued a stark condemnation of the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The UK’s statement, part of an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, highlighted the unparalleled disregard for human rights currently being witnessed in the country.
The UK government detailed the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, noting that two and a half years after their ascent to power, women and girls remain unable to work, move freely, or express themselves.
“The education of girls has been severely curtailed, with bans on schooling beyond grade 6 and complete exclusion from university education. Furthermore, adherence to the Taliban’s stringent dress codes has been enforced under threat of arrest, with many women and girls deprived of their liberty for non-compliance,” the statemet said.
Beyond these direct restrictions, the statement pointed to the broader context of widespread discrimination, exacerbated by household poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of access to essential services. The UK also expressed its deep concern over the increasing attacks on the Hazara community, echoing calls from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for thorough investigations into these violations.
Asserting the need for sustained international commitment to the Afghan people, the UK reaffirmed its support, particularly for the women, girls, and their families who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis. The statement concluded with an inquiry to the Special Rapporteur on how the international community, including the UK, can enhance support for their mandate, especially concerning the dire situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
