UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized the Taliban’s policies toward Afghan women and girls, describing the restrictions as discriminatory and calling for their immediate removal.
Speaking on Sunday, Guterres called for the Taliban to lift the ban preventing Afghan women from working in United Nations offices in Afghanistan. He said the restrictions violate the fundamental rights of women and girls and are having wider consequences for the country.
According to Guterres, the continued exclusion of women from workplaces represents a major obstacle to Afghanistan’s economic development and long-term stability. He also warned that such policies could hinder Afghanistan’s efforts to re-engage with the international community.
The Taliban has imposed extensive restrictions on women and girls since returning to power in 2021, including restrictions on employment, education and participation in public life. The UN and other international organizations have repeatedly called on the Taliban to reverse these measures.
Guterres emphasized that Afghan women and girls should be able to exercise their fundamental rights and contribute to the country’s social and economic development. He also linked women’s participation in the workforce to Afghanistan’s broader prospects for stability and international integration.
The latest criticism adds to growing international pressure on the Taliban over its treatment of women. However, the Taliban has continued to defend many of its policies as being consistent with its interpretation of Islamic principles.
The UN chief’s call comes as Afghanistan remains largely isolated from the international community, with women’s rights continuing to be one of the central issues affecting relations between the Taliban administration and foreign governments and organizations.