Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has called on Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to reverse their ban on Afghan women working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The decision, he warned, is a harmful step that undermines critical humanitarian efforts in the country.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghan women have faced increasing restrictions, effectively erasing them from public life. The UN has strongly criticized this trend, describing it as “gender apartheid.” In a statement, Mr. Turk expressed grave concern over the recent directive from the Taliban’s economy ministry. The ministry has threatened to revoke the licenses of national and international NGOs that continue to employ Afghan women, citing a decree issued two years ago.
“I am deeply alarmed at the recent announcement by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan that non-governmental organisations’ licenses will be revoked if they continue to employ Afghan women. This is absolutely the wrong path being taken,” Mr. Turk said. Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where over half the population lives in poverty, Mr. Turk emphasized the critical role NGOs play in providing life-saving aid to women, men, and children. He cautioned that the Taliban’s policy would severely impact the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
“I once again urge the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to revoke this deeply discriminatory decree, and all other measures which seek to eradicate women and girls’ access to education, work, and public services, including healthcare, and that restrict their freedom of movement,” Mr. Turk added. He stressed that excluding half the population from public life is detrimental to Afghanistan’s political, economic, and social progress. “For the future of Afghanistan, the de facto authorities must change course,” he urged.
In a related development, the Taliban’s supreme leader has issued a new order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by women. Existing windows with such views must also be blocked, according to the decree. The Taliban government’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, announced the measure on social media platform X, stating that windows in new buildings should not allow views into courtyards, kitchens, wells, or other areas typically used by women. The decree claims that such views could lead to “obscene acts.” It mandates municipal authorities and relevant departments to ensure compliance, adding that homeowners with existing windows will be encouraged to build walls or obstruct views to avoid “nuisances caused to neighbours.”
Since regaining control, the Taliban has imposed a series of increasingly stringent restrictions on Afghan women and girls. These include bans on post-primary education, employment, and access to parks and public spaces. Women are also prohibited from singing or reciting poetry in public and are encouraged to “veil” their voices and bodies outside the home. Local radio and television stations have stopped broadcasting female voices, further limiting women’s visibility and participation in public life. Despite these measures, the Taliban administration insists that Islamic law “guarantees” the rights of Afghan men and women.
