Pakistan envoy urges Taliban to resume education for women and girls in Afghanistan immediately

The Pakistani representative said at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday that the continued suspension of women’s and girls’ education in Afghanistan and the deprivation of women’s employment have disappointed Islamabad.

Omar Khalid, speaking at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council on Afghanistan on Tuesday, said, “We also urge the current rulers of Afghanistan to take immediate steps to resume the education of women and girls and to create conditions where women can work, in line with Afghanistan’s international commitments.”

He added that the restrictions on women’s education and employment have also impacted Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian conditions.

Kumar Thakur, the Indian representative, also spoke at the session, highlighting the proximity of Afghanistan to India and the relations between the two countries, stating that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan are important for India.

Kumar Thakur said, “We are closely monitoring the human rights situation in Afghanistan. Our priority is to uphold the rights of women, children, and minorities, to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, to form an inclusive and representative government in the country, and to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.”

The Indian representative said that his country is ready to actively cooperate with all partners and stakeholders to ensure peace and security in Afghanistan.

He also mentioned that India continues to send humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan and to provide scholarships to Afghan students.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, Afghan women have faced severe restrictions on their freedoms and rights. The Taliban has imposed strict dress codes, limiting women to wearing burqas and banning them from traveling without a male guardian. These restrictions have severely curtailed women’s ability to participate in public life, access healthcare, and pursue education and employment.

In addition, the Taliban has shut down many women’s shelters and organizations that provide support and resources to victims of domestic violence. This has left many women vulnerable and without any means of protection or recourse. The situation is particularly dire for women who were previously employed in sectors now dominated by the Taliban, such as the judiciary, police force, and media.

Furthermore, the mental health impact on Afghan women under Taliban rule is significant. The fear of punishment, harassment, and violence has led to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among women. The Taliban’s oppressive policies have not only robbed Afghan women of their rights and freedoms but also their hope for a better future.

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