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It stated that any organization found to be in violation of the decree will have its operating license in Afghanistan withdrawn.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.
A Taliban ban on NGOs employing women has forced NRC and other humanitarian organisations to suspend services across #Afghanistan. We cannot effectively reach children, women and men in desperate need without our female staff. https://t.co/sWhBVU4rDc
— NRC (@NRC_Norway) December 25, 2022
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.
.@antonioguterres is deeply disturbed by the reported order of the de facto Taliban authorities banning women from working for national and international non-governmental organizations. Full statement 👇https://t.co/WKQlZLgXfZ
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) December 25, 2022
“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).
Deeply concerned that the Taliban’s ban on women delivering humanitarian aid in Afghanistan will disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions. Women are central to humanitarian operations around the world. This decision could be devastating for the Afghan people.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 24, 2022
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.
من بعنوان نماینده بزرگترین اهدا کننده کمک های بشر دوستانه برای افغانستان احساس دارم و بخود این حق را میدهم و آنرا وضحات میدهم ، که طالبان چگونه قصد دارند تا از گرسنگی زنان و اطفال جلوگیری کنند ، البته در شرایط که زنان اجازه توزیع کمک را به سایر زنان و اطفال دیگر نداشته باشند.
— Chargé d’Affaires Karen Decker (@USAmbKabul) December 25, 2022
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.
Wir werden nicht akzeptieren, dass die #Taliban die Humanitäre Hilfe zum Spielball ihrer Frauenverachtung machen. Sie rauben der Hälfte der Bevölkerung ein weiteres Grundrecht, brechen humanitäre Prinzipien und gefährden die lebenswichtige Versorgung der Menschen. 1/2
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) December 25, 2022
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.”
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