WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken denounced the Taliban’s “discriminatory edicts” on Tuesday, warning that their policies jeopardize the rights and lives of Afghan women and girls.
In a statement on X, Blinken emphasized the importance of women’s full and equal participation in society, calling it essential not only for equality but for the prosperity of Afghanistan as a whole.
“We resolutely support Afghan women and girls,” Blinken wrote.
His remarks come amid escalating international condemnation of the Taliban’s policies toward women, which have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and global leaders.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of the previous government, women and girls have faced severe restrictions. These include a ban on education beyond sixth grade and the recent prohibition on women attending medical institutions.
Human rights watchdogs have described the Taliban’s policies as “gender persecution” and “gender apartheid,” citing the systematic exclusion of women from public life, education, and employment.
Blinken’s comments on X coincided with his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where Chairman Michael McCaul criticized him for delays in appearing before Congress to address the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The chaotic withdrawal and its aftermath, including the plight of Afghan women, remain contentious topics in Washington.
On International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called on the Taliban to adhere to global human rights standards. UNAMA emphasized that safeguarding rights is critical for Afghanistan’s future prosperity and stability.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the transformative potential of human rights in addressing societal challenges. UNAMA underscored that respecting these rights is essential for fostering empowerment and protection for all communities.
