UN Calls on Taliban to Respect Human Rights

The United Nations Security Council has urged the Taliban to cease their systematic human rights abuses, particularly those targeting women and girls in Afghanistan. In a joint statement, members emphasized the Taliban's discriminatory policies, which have significantly restricted access to education and work for Afghan women, particularly in light of recent reports of a suspension of medical education for females. UN officials highlighted the Taliban's actions as a violation of international obligations, asserting that these measures risk condemning Afghan women and girls to lives devoid of opportunities. On International Human Rights Day, UNAMA reiterated the importance of upholding human rights as essential for the country's future and emphasized the need for Afghan women to participate in shaping their society. The Taliban's leadership must demonstrate accountability and commitment to shared human rights norms to gain legitimacy, according to UN representatives. The ongoing erosion of rights poses significant challenges for the nation and its development.