Taliban bans Afghan women from singing in public

The Taliban has implemented a new law in Afghanistan that prohibits women from speaking in public, which has drawn significant international condemnation. Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign policy, expressed shock at this development, emphasizing that it undermines the fundamental right to expression for Afghan women. The law is part of a broader set of restrictions that require women to cover their bodies and faces in public and prohibits them from singing or reading aloud, effectively silencing their voices in public spaces. This 'virtue law' represents a continuation of the Taliban's oppressive policies towards women and girls since they regained power in August 2021. The EU has characterized these actions as a severe blow to the rights of Afghan women, calling for an end to what they describe as systematic and systemic abuse that could amount to gender-based persecution, a crime against humanity. Borrell's statements highlight the urgent need for the international community to respond to these violations. Despite the Taliban's claims that the law will be enforced 'sparingly' and without violence, the implications of such restrictions are profound. The international community, particularly the EU, views these actions as detrimental to the Taliban's efforts to restore diplomatic relations and gain legitimacy on the global stage. The ongoing repression of women's rights in Afghanistan raises serious concerns about the future of human rights in the country. As the situation unfolds, the EU and other international bodies are likely to continue monitoring the Taliban's actions closely, advocating for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. The response from the global community will be crucial in determining the trajectory of human rights in the region moving forward.