The Taliban has issued a sweeping ban preventing Afghan women from working for the United Nations in Afghanistan, marking a significant escalation in its crackdown on women's rights. This decision, confirmed by UN officials in Islamabad, directly impacts humanitarian operations in a country already grappling with severe economic and food crises.
International Outrage and Operational Challenges
The move has drawn sharp condemnation from global leaders and aid organisations. "This decision violates fundamental human rights and jeopardises lifesaving assistance for millions," stated a UN spokesperson. The ban forces UN agencies to make an impossible choice: operate without female staff or suspend critical programmes.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Looms
With female workers constituting nearly 30% of UN's Afghanistan workforce, this ban:
- Disrupts aid distribution to women and children
- Hinders access to female-only facilities
- Undermines vaccination programmes and education initiatives
The Taliban justifies the ban as being "in line with Afghan culture and Islamic values", despite widespread criticism from Muslim-majority nations.
Global Response and Next Steps
The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session, while donor nations reconsider funding allocations. Meanwhile, Afghan women continue protesting the erosion of their rights since the Taliban's August 2021 takeover.
