Afghanistan’s Taliban-run administration has announced a ban on women working for non-governmental organisations in the country. The Taliban says some women had not met its required dress code. The decision will impact international aid and humanitarian organisations operating in Afghanistan. Several aid groups have already announced a suspension of operations.
Background
The Taliban is an extremist Islamist group that seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. Its administration is not recognised by the United Nations. It has imposed a number of bans on women, including banning them from high schools, universities, and most forms of employment.
Response
The decision was denounced by the United Nations Security Council, which called the Taliban’s restrictions on women “an increasing erosion for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the restrictions were “unjustifiable” and would “continue to cause immense suffering”.
