In a powerful address at the U.N. Human Rights Council, Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Taliban’s oppressive measures against women and girls in Afghanistan, framing this issue as part of a larger, troubling trend against human rights globally. He likened human rights to “the oxygen of humanity,” emphasizing that they are choked by authoritarian regimes, conflict, and systemic discrimination.
Guterres spotlighted Afghanistan’s grim reality, where the Taliban’s patriarchal system strips away girls’ educational opportunities and women’s fundamental rights. His remarks reinforce the mounting international outcry against the group’s policies, which are often described as a form of “gender apartheid.”
U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk joined Guterres in calling for urgent global intervention, citing ongoing documentation of human rights violations in Afghanistan. He pointedly referenced the dire consequences of this gender apartheid, highlighting the immediate need for international action to address the situation facing Afghan women and girls.
Despite claims of upholding human rights under their interpretation of Islamic law, the Taliban dismiss global criticism. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought arrest warrants for Taliban leaders in response to widespread allegations of human rights infractions.
During the council’s session, Turkish representatives emphasised the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan as a pathway to sustainable peace. They affirmed that respect for basic rights, particularly women’s rights, is crucial for enduring stability within the country.
Moreover, Afghanistan’s U.N. representative urged the establishment of an independent accountability framework aimed at tackling human rights violations. Discussions have commenced on this initiative, and there is hope for meaningful progress in the near future.
As the Human Rights Council dedicates the next three days to the situation in Afghanistan, an impending report by the U.N. special rapporteur promises to shed light on Taliban-enforced restrictions on women. Regardless of the global criticism, the Taliban insist they are protecting human rights, yet their actions reveal a stark reality—Afghanistan remains one of the most oppressive environments for women and girls.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres criticised the Taliban’s repression of women in Afghanistan, describing it as part of a global attack on human rights. Emphasising a pattern of authoritarianism and systemic injustice, he called for urgent global action. Turkish officials and U.N. representatives advocated for inclusivity and accountability, as international attention returns to the grave issues facing Afghan women and girls amidst Taliban rule.
Guterres’ condemnation of the Taliban’s gender policies underscores a profound crisis in Afghanistan, where systematic oppression has stripped women of their rights. The calls for an inclusive government and accountability mechanisms reflect a heightened urgency among international actors to foster lasting peace and ensure the protection of fundamental human rights. The stark contrast between Taliban claims and the lived reality for Afghan women calls for immediate international attention and action.
Original Source: amu.tv
