New York: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has said that it is “extremely concerned” by reports that the Taliban is banning women and girls from attending universities and has expressed its serious concerns about the Taliban’s decision to close all schools. is repeated. Up to and including 6th grade. “The Security Council is deeply concerned by reports that the Taliban have suspended access to universities for women and girls, and reiterates its deep concern about the suspension of schools beyond the sixth grade, and its full, equal and called for meaningful participation of women and girls in Afghanistan,” read the UN Security Council’s press statement on Afghanistan.
Expressing concern over the status of women in the war-torn country of Afghanistan, the Security Council called on the Taliban to reopen schools and swiftly reverse these policies and practices, which represent a growing erosion of fundamental freedoms of the people in the country. Is.
The Taliban have also reportedly forbidden female employees of NGOs and international organizations from reporting to work, which according to the Security Council will have a major and immediate impact on humanitarian activities in the country, including the United Nations.
According to the Security Council, the statement said, “The Security Council is also seriously concerned by reports that the Taliban have barred female employees of non-governmental organizations and international organizations from attending work, which has a significant impact on humanitarian operations.” And it will have an immediate effect.” countries, including the United Nations, and the delivery of aid and health work, and that these sanctions are contrary to the commitments made by the Taliban to the Afghan people as well as the expectations of the international community.”
It reiterated its support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in fulfilling the mandate, including monitoring and reporting on the situation in the war-torn nation, which is currently under its mandate. Taliban regime.
The Council called for keeping it updated on developments and continued engagement with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, including competent authorities, in accordance with UNAMA’s mandate.
“The Security Council reiterated its full support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the importance of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General fulfilling his mandate through monitoring and reporting on the situation, and continued engagement with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders on these issues, in line with UNAMA’s mandate, and keeping the Security Council informed on progress,” the press release said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over this decision following the Taliban’s ban on women working in non-governmental organizations. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said in a statement that Guterres stressed that the decision would undermine the work of various organizations that are helping the most vulnerable, especially women and girls.
In a statement, Stéphane Dujarric said, “The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the alleged orders from actual Taliban officials banning women from working for national and international non-governmental organizations.”
The ban on higher education for women in Afghanistan has reportedly drawn widespread reactions from around the world and criticism of the Taliban’s hardline policies in the country.