Taliban"s repression of women in Afghanistan threatens future stability
- The U.N. rights chief criticized the Taliban's new morality laws that restrict women's public presence and education.
- The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has worsened since the Taliban's takeover, with millions in need of aid.
- The Taliban's oppressive policies are leading to increased isolation and hardship for the Afghan population.
The U.N. rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned the Taliban's severe restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, highlighting the introduction of new morality laws that suppress women's voices and visibility in public. These laws, along with bans on education and employment for women, represent systematic gender persecution and threaten the future stability of the country. The Taliban's takeover in 2021 led to a drastic decline in living conditions, with millions facing poverty and hunger due to the cessation of foreign aid and sanctions. The humanitarian crisis is particularly dire for children, with 12.4 million in urgent need of assistance. The U.N. has called for $4.62 billion in aid to support nearly 24 million people affected by the Taliban's policies. Reports indicate an increase in morality inspectors enforcing these laws, further restricting freedoms and impacting media operations. The Taliban's actions are isolating Afghanistan, exacerbating hardship, and raising concerns about the future of human rights in the region.