The European Union in a statement on Monday condemned the Taliban’s new decree on virtue and vice, calling it “another serious blow” that undermines the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The EU stated that the new law imposes severe restrictions on the lives of Afghan citizens, expanding limitations on women’s rights in Afghanistan.
“We will remain vigilant about the erosion of human rights and democratic principles, especially in regions where authoritarian regimes threaten these universal values. This is why we are proposing a resolution at this session extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. The situation on the ground, especially regarding women and girls, warrants the full attention of the Council. The latest decree by the Taliban of August 2024 confirms and extends severe restrictions on the life of Afghans imposed by the Taliban. It is another serious blow undermining the rights of Afghan women and girls, which we cannot tolerate,” the EU said.
The union further noted that the dire conditions imposed by the Taliban, particularly the harsh restrictions on the education and employment of Afghan women and girls, demand the “full attention” of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Taliban’s decree on virtue and vice, signed by their leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, is 114 pages long and consists of 35 articles that introduce new limitations, especially on women. It grants broad authority to enforcers of the law, known as muhasibs, who are tasked with ensuring its implementation. Among its provisions, the law classifies women’s voices as awrah (a part of the body that must be concealed) and mandates that they should not be heard, requiring women to cover their faces and bodies.
The decree has sparked widespread global condemnation.
