Afghanistan

Taliban leader approves law to curb begging

KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban leader has approved legislation to prevent begging and remove beggars from cities, the Taliban-run Justice Ministry announced.

The legislation consists of three sections and 27 principles, according to a statement from the ministry.

“The beggars who are healthy and [begging for business] and have a one-day meal, are prohibited from begging,” the statement read.

The statement also noted that individuals who misuse children and people with disabilities for begging are prohibited from doing so. A commission to prevent begging has been established in 15 departments of the Taliban.

Individuals who receive aid from the Taliban but continue to engage in begging will be detained.

This legislation comes as over 23 million of the country’s population are in grave need of humanitarian assistance, according to UN agencies. The UN has also highlighted the lack of a constitution and other laws in Afghanistan under the Taliban.