UN Urges Taliban to Engage Amid New Laws

The Taliban has announced it will no longer cooperate with the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) following criticism of a new morality law that imposes severe restrictions on women's rights, including requiring women to cover completely and prohibiting them from raising their voices in public. Despite this, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reaffirmed the UN's commitment to engage with all parties in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, and urged the authorities to open more avenues for diplomatic dialogue. Dujarric condemned the new law as a 'distressing vision' for Afghanistan's future and emphasized that the UN will continue to advocate for human rights and equality. This law, implemented under the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia, has drawn significant concern from international organizations, which warn it may hinder prospects for engagement with the global community. In a related development, Germany has begun deporting criminal Afghan refugees back to Kabul, despite lacking formal relations with the Taliban, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations concerning Afghanistan. The Taliban's recent actions and the UN's response illustrate ongoing tensions surrounding human rights in the country.