KABUL: The International Federation of Human Rights Defenders in Exile (IFHRDE) has expressed concern over the continued arrests of women and girls in Afghanistan, calling on the Taliban to end policies it describes as oppressive toward Afghan women.
In a press release, the federation said the ongoing arrests were a matter of concern and urged the Taliban authorities to abandon measures that, in its view, restrict the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls.
The statement comes amid continued international attention to the treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule. Since taking control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban authorities have introduced or maintained restrictions affecting women’s education, employment, movement and participation in public life.
IFHRDE said Afghan women and girls should be able to exercise their fundamental rights without facing arbitrary restrictions or detention. The federation called for an end to policies that it says contribute to the worsening situation of women and girls in the country.
The Taliban authorities have previously defended their policies as being in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan cultural values, while international rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on women and girls.
The latest statement adds to calls from rights groups for greater protection of women’s rights and freedoms in Afghanistan.