The Kabul Tribune (KT) — More than 100 days have passed since the Taliban barred Afghan women from entering United Nations offices in Afghanistan, the UN human rights office said, warning the restriction is undermining humanitarian operations and harming the country’s future.
In a post on X, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights urged the Taliban to immediately lift the ban and end what it
described as systematic discrimination against women and girls. “After 100 days
since Afghan women colleagues were prevented from entering UN premises in the
country, we call on the de facto authorities to lift all restrictions so vital
support can reach everyone in need,” the office said.
The UN said the ban has disrupted the work of the United
Nations and its affiliated agencies, particularly in humanitarian response and
aid delivery, where female staff play a critical role in reaching women and
vulnerable communities. The restriction was first enforced in the western
province of Herat and later extended to other areas, according to sources.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have
imposed wide-ranging restrictions on women, including bans on education beyond
secondary school, limits on employment and constraints on public participation.
Women affected by the UN office ban say the policy has deepened their economic
hardship while also reducing access to aid for women and families in need. The
United Nations and international rights groups have repeatedly warned that such
measures risk worsening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and long-term stability.
