Kabul, 26 December 2022 (TDI): The Taliban ordered all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the nation to stop hiring women. The order came in the form of a letter from the Economic Minister of Afghanistan, Qari Din Mohammed Hanif.
It stated that any organization found to be in violation of the decree will have its operating license in Afghanistan withdrawn.
Taliban said that they banned women because of the “non-observance of the Islamic hijab” by females working for the NGOs.
Also read: US condemns Taliban University ban for women
The decision sparked huge condemnation from the whole world. The foreign aid groups on Sunday also suspended their operations in Afghanistan.
Among the organizations that ceased operations were Save the Children, CARE & the Norwegian Refugee Council. The NGOs said that they cannot effectively reach children & women in desperate need in Afghanistan without their female staff.
UN condemnation
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply disturbed by reports of the NGO ban.
“The United Nations and its partners, including national and international non-governmental organizations, are helping more than 28 million Afghans who depend on humanitarian aid to survive.” He said in a statement.
US condemnation
The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken condemned the Taliban rulers to ban women from working at international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to Blinken, women are central to humanitarian operations around the world. This decision could be devastating for the Afghan people.
Also read: Dilemma of Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan
The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission to Afghanistan, Karen Decker also condemned the decision in her Twitter post.
She said that as a representative of the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, she has the right to an explanation from the Taliban.
She asked how the Taliban intend to prevent women & children from starving when women are no longer permitted to distribute assistance to other women & children.
German condemnation
The Foreign Minister of Germany, Annalena Baerbock called for a “clear reaction from the international community” on the Taliban decision.
She said, “Those who exclude women and young girls from work only ruin their country. Gender-based persecution can be a crime against humanity. We will try to get a clear reaction from the international community.”
