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KABUL – UN has condemned a Taliban’s new diktat to close beauty salons for women in Afghanistan, emphasizing its potential impact on the country’s economy and women-led businesses. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has urged the Taliban authorities to reconsider this edict, citing its adverse effects on women’s rights and entrepreneurship.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it called on the “de facto authorities to halt the edict closing beauty salons”. “This new restriction on women’s rights will impact negatively on the economy and contradicts stated support for women entrepreneurship. UNAMA remains engaged w/stakeholders seeking reversal of the bans,” the UN mission to aid Afghanistan said.
A spokesperson from the Taliban regime confirmed that parlors and salons catering to women will no longer be allowed to operate in Afghanistan, following a verbal order from the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. The decision, conveyed through a letter dated 24 June, has raised concerns as it was not accompanied by a specific reason for the ban.
The ban is scheduled to be implemented across the capital city, Kabul, and all provinces, with salon owners given a one-month deadline to cease their operations. After 24 July, the salons must close and submit a report of their closure to the Ministry.
Since the Taliban took control nearly two years ago, there have been growing concerns about restrictions on women’s liberties and human rights, including access to education and employment opportunities for the female population. The UN’s appeal seeks to address these concerns and encourage the protection of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
