Roughly 25 million Afghans are now living in poverty.
Brussels:
A year after the Islamic group came to power in Afghanistan, the European Union on Monday urged the Taliban to change and uphold the rights of women, girls and minorities.
In the 12 months since the chaotic withdrawal by the United States and its allies, some Afghans have welcomed improved security, but struggled with poverty, drought, malnutrition, and a fading hope among women that the country’s future will hold. will have a decisive role.
Afghanistan is physically more secure than it was when the radical Taliban was fighting against US-led foreign forces and their Afghan allies, but the economy is under heavy pressure, due in large part to the country’s isolation. Foreign governments refuse to recognize their rulers.
Development aid, on which the country was heavily dependent, has been cut as the international community demands that the Taliban respect the rights of Afghans, especially girls and women, who have been reduced access to work and education.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Twitter: “A year after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the humanitarian situation has worsened, and widespread human rights violations are on the rise, especially among women, girls and women.” and against minorities.”
“I call on those in power in Kabul to reverse these unacceptable decisions and practices,” he said.
Roughly 25 million Afghans now live in poverty – more than half the population, and the United Nations estimates that up to 900,000 jobs could be lost this year as the economy stalls.
Civil society and the independent media have also shrunk, with many members leaving the country. The UN mission in Afghanistan said in a recent review that the group was limiting dissent by arresting journalists, activists and protesters.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)