Islamic Emirate Reacts to UNSC Concerns About Afghan Women

The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Islamic Emirate, responding to remarks by several members of the United Nations Security Council regarding the situation of women, says that “positive” changes have taken place in women’s rights in Afghanistan over the past five years.

The ministry’s spokesperson stated that the Islamic Emirate’s position is that women’s rights must be defined and ensured in accordance with Islamic Sharia.

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry, said: “Human rights should not be used as a propaganda tool. The rights of women and all human beings are neither a subject of political bargaining nor a means of imposing individual standards. Instead of politicizing women’s rights and human rights, practical, fair, and non-hypocritical measures should be taken to ensure their rights under Islamic law and their human rights.”

At a United Nations Security Council meeting titled “Women, Peace and Security,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over increasing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan and called for greater support for local women-led organizations and the provision of financial resources to sustain their activities.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said: “We call for support for women-led grassroots organizations, including in Afghanistan. Girls are being denied access to education that they both need and have a fundamental right to receive.”

The Deputy US Representative to the United Nations also said that Washington remains committed to defending human rights and promoting the economic empowerment of women and girls.

Tammy Bruce, emphasized: “In Afghanistan, the Taliban continue to block girls’ and young women’s access to education, employment, and vocational training. Over the past five years, the Taliban have systematically dismantled gains achieved through decades of hard work to advance women’s participation in peace and security processes. These actions are unacceptable and must stop immediately.”

The Deputy UK Representative also stressed during the meeting that women must play a central role in determining Afghanistan’s future.

Kate Foster, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, stated: “Their voices must be at the center of discussions about the future of this country. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved as long as half the population is excluded from participating in shaping peace. The United Kingdom supports this principle through practical assistance.”

The issue of women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan has remained a major point of contention between the current government and the international community over the past five years.