The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice rejected a new quarterly report by the UN about the human rights situation in Afghanistan, calling it “baseless” and rooted in “Western perspectives.” The report highlighted serious concerns about the state of women’s rights and freedom of expression in the country.
In a statement, the Taliban’s PVPV ministry claimed that women’s rights in Afghanistan are protected “in accordance with Islamic principles and Afghan values.” The Taliban also urged UNAMA to respect “the religious and cultural values of Afghan society” when drafting its reports.
UNAMA’s report, released on Monday, reviewed human rights conditions in Afghanistan between October and December 2024. It documented the far-reaching effects of the Taliban’s restrictive policies, which have deprived nearly 40,000 women of their roles in the healthcare sector. Additionally, 36,000 midwives and 3,000 female students enrolled in medical training have been forced to abandon their education due to the closure of female-only medical institutions.
The report also emphasized the severe curbs on free expression and media activities. Female journalists, in particular, face significant barriers, including restricted access to information and fieldwork. UNAMA noted that female reporters are frequently barred from attending Taliban press briefings or relegated to segregated seating areas when allowed to attend.
One of the most contentious Taliban policies has been the prohibition of education for women and girls. This ban, enacted since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Afghan citizens and leaders of Islamic nations have condemned the policy as contrary to Islamic teachings and Afghan cultural values.
In a recent meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad, Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, indirectly criticized the Taliban’s restrictions, stating: “Declaring what is permissible to be forbidden is among the gravest sins.”
