UN Security Council: Taliban urged to withdraw measures against women

Adopted unanimously by 15 members, around 90 UN Co-sponsored by member states, it “condemns the Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan women from working at the United Nations in Afghanistan”, which was declared in early April as “compromising human rights”. and humanitarian principles”.

More broadly, the Council “calls on the Taliban to rapidly reform policies and practices that fully limit women’s and girls’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, including access to education and employment, their freedom of movement and full, equal rights. And women’s meaningful participation in public life”. These policies and It “commits” all states and organizations to use their influence (…) to urgently change practices.

“The world will not be at peace as women in Afghanistan are erased from society,” said UAE Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusaybe, who co-authored the speech with Japan.

A “catastrophic” situation

Highlighting the “catastrophic” economic and humanitarian situation, the resolution “underlines the critical importance of ensuring the continued presence of MANUA (the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan) and other United Nations agencies, funds and programs across Afghanistan.”

“The Council also recognizes the need to help address the significant challenges facing the Afghan economy, including enabling the use of assets owned by the Central Bank of Afghanistan for the benefit of the Afghan people” .

After the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, Washington froze $7 billion in Afghan central bank assets deposited in the United States. In September, the Americans announced the creation of a fund in Switzerland to manage half of these assets.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia lamented that the West had “blocked” a more “ambitious” approach, particularly on the issue, despite voting in his favour. “If you have integrity, why not return stolen property unconditionally,” he said.

Meeting in Doha

The United Nations announced on April 4 that the Taliban would now ban its Afghan staff, so far exempt from such measures applied to non-governmental organizations, from working with the organization across the country. Since the announcement, Manuwa has launched a review of the operations of UN operations in the country, which will last until May 5.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres organized a meeting in Doha on May 1 and 2 with ambassadors from various countries responsible for Afghanistan to “renew international commitment around common goals towards a stable path. About the situation in Afghanistan”.

Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have returned to the strict interpretation of Islam that marked their first term in power (1996-2001) and increased brutality against women.

(AFP)Show comments