The UN Security Council on Tuesday reiterated its call for the full participation of women and girls in Afghan society, expressing concern over the ban by the Taliban, currently in power in that country, on the access of women in studies and in the professional world.
“Deeply alarmed” by reports that the Taliban has suspended women and girls’ access to universities, the council reiterated its concern over the suspension of girls’ access to secondary education and its call for ” the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in Afghanistan,” he said in a statement.
The council called on the Taliban “to reopen schools and immediately reverse these policies and practices”, which represent “a growing erosion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
Board members also expressed deep concern over the ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations in Afghanistan, which will have a significant and immediate impact on humanitarian operations in the country, including those of the United Nations, as well as the delivery of aid and medical care.
These restrictions are contrary to the commitments made by the Taliban to the Afghan people as well as to the expectations of the international community, the council said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on December 20 expressed concern over reports that the Taliban has barred women and girls from accessing universities, calling on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to ensure equal access education at all levels for women and girls.