UN Urges Taliban to Respect Human Rights

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls. Nasseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, urged the Taliban to heed the demands of the Afghan populace and the international community, highlighting a critical humanitarian crisis with millions in need of assistance. UN officials reported nearly 1,200 days without girls attending school, and recent decrees have further restricted women's access to education and healthcare, threatening the entire country's future. A UNAMA report documented numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and a stark crackdown on media freedom, undermining any semblance of democratic principles. Taliban officials defend their policies as aligned with Islamic values, while international bodies continue to call for respect for human rights and increased support for humanitarian efforts. The situation remains precarious, with the Taliban's failure to uphold rights posing significant risks to peace and stability in the region.