The Taliban have responded to the suspension of United Nations offices in Afghanistan by calling the prohibition of women’s work in UN offices an “internal values-based issue” in a statement published by their spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid. The group stated that they do not intend to create obstacles for the UN and called for all parties to respect their decision without harming others.
“The announcement published by the United Nations Office in Afghanistan states that the Islamic Emirate has imposed some restrictions on female employees, and as a result, the United Nations Office has suspended its activities and held the Islamic Emirate responsible for all the consequences of the humanitarian condition,” the Taliban’s statement read. “The decision is not discriminatory and does not prevent the UN’s operation in the country.”
While the United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the Taliban’s actions as discrimination against women, the Taliban’s statement claims that the decision was made in consideration of its own religious and cultural values and therefore was not discriminatory.
The Taliban attributed Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis to the actions of outside forces. “Unfortunately, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is being perpetuated by sanctions and coercive measures. The full responsibility lies with sides that have imposed restrictions on our travel, financial, and banking systems,” the statement read. They called on UN member states to resolve the issue of frozen assets and remove sanctions as soon as possible.
The Taliban’s ban on Afghan women working in UN offices has prompted widespread condemnation and prompted the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to say it faced a difficult decision, as the ban put the organization at odds with its principles and rules.
The Taliban’s stance on women’s rights has been a major concern for many in the international community since they regained power in Afghanistan. The recent ban on women’s work in UN offices is just the latest restriction in a string of restrictions imposed on girls and women in the country.
