Thu Sep 19 07:27:34 UTC 2024: ## Taliban’s Morality Law Sparks International Condemnation at UN Security Council
**New York, October 26, 2023:** The UN Security Council convened today to address the dire consequences of the Taliban’s new morality law on women and girls in Afghanistan, with numerous speakers urging the de facto authorities to reverse course and engage with the international community.
The law, which mandates full body and facial coverings for women and girls outside their homes, has been met with widespread condemnation. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN-Women, stressed that the law represents a new low, with women now forbidden from speaking in public, using public transportation alone, or even looking at men they are not related to. She highlighted alarming statistics: 64% of women feel unsafe leaving their homes alone, with 70% attributing their insecurity to harassment by the Taliban.
Ms. Bahous also emphasized the devastating economic consequences, predicting a 5% annual drop in Afghanistan’s GDP by excluding women from the workforce, with the potential for a two-thirds reduction in GDP by 2066 if the ban on women’s access to higher education remains in place.
Young Afghan woman Ms. Mina, speaking via audio link, shared her harrowing experience after the Taliban’s return to power, including her decision to flee Afghanistan, leaving her family and life behind. She described the constant fear of violence against women and the devastating impact of the education ban, leaving the next generation of girls without a concept of freedom and opportunity.
Several delegates echoed Ms. Mina’s concerns, highlighting the importance of education for Afghan women and girls. Roza Otunbayeva, UNAMA Head, cautioned that Afghanistan’s isolation from the international community, with sanctions and travel bans on Taliban officials, further limits development potential.
While the international community condemned the Taliban’s policies, opinions on engagement differed. Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, emphasized the need for the Security Council to take a stand against the “institutionalized system of gender discrimination and oppression” and not turn a blind eye to the situation.
The Russian Federation’s delegate, however, warned against placing all responsibility on the Taliban and called for patient dialogue without pressure. China’s diplomat echoed this sentiment, urging the lifting of unilateral sanctions and advocating for development within Afghanistan.
The United States representative, while acknowledging the potential for engagement, maintained that meaningful steps towards normalization would depend on the Taliban’s actions, including respecting human rights and counter-terrorism commitments.
The representative of the previous Afghan government called for a Special Envoy to facilitate a genuine national dialogue and establish a legitimate governance system that respects the will of the people, upholds the rule of law, and ensures women’s full participation.
Several neighboring countries, including India and Turkmenistan, highlighted their continued support for Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. However, Iran and Pakistan expressed concern about the influx of Afghan migrants and the burden it places on their resources.
The Security Council’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for the Taliban to address the human rights crisis in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on the rights of women and girls. While some called for increased engagement, others warned against pursuing dialogue without concrete actions from the Taliban. As the international community grapples with this complex situation, the future of women and girls in Afghanistan remains uncertain.
First Piper 