New York, 21 December 2022 (TDI): The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres expressed extreme concerns on the recent reports of the Taliban’s restriction of women to attend universities.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that denying women and girls access to education violates their equal rights. He further added that it will also have a terrible impact on their nation’s future.
In the Statement, the Secretary-General compelled the de facto authorities to guarantee women and girls have equitable access to education at all levels. Moreover, Stephane Dujarric, a Spokesperson for the UN, called the action “troubling.”
He continued that since the Taliban’s takeover a shrinking of space for women, in schools and access to public areas has been observed. In addition to this, the British UN envoys also condemned this decision of the Taliban.
Taliban’s restrictions on Women
The decision was made public following a government meeting. According to a letter from the ministry of higher education supplied by Ziaullah Hashmi, private and public institutions were instructed to impose the prohibition as soon as feasible.
Also read: US condemns Taliban university ban for women
Furthermore, They also had to notify the ministry once the ban is in place. The Taliban announced this decision on Tuesday.
The Taliban have widely enforced their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, in spite of their earlier promises of a more moderate rule that respected the rights of women and minorities.
They have forbidden girls from attending middle and high school, barred them from the majority of jobs, and required them to dress completely in public. Moreover, the Taliban have also not allowed girls to enter gyms and parks.
A coalition led by the United States overthrew the Taliban in 2001 for sheltering Osama bin Laden. But the Taliban retook control following the withdrawal of the United States last year.
