The United Nations Security Council in a meeting held behind closed doors asked the Islamic Emirate to immediately reverse all restrictions on the work and education of women in Afghanistan.
A statement issued after the meeting says the Islamic Emirate should uphold its commitments to Afghan women and girls.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN, Kimihiro Ishikane said that full and equal participation of women is essential in Afghanistan for achieving an inclusive political dialogue.
Ishikane added that 11 countries expressed their grave concerns about the critical situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
“We urge the Taliban to immediately reverse all oppressive measures against women and girls, adhere to their commitments throughout in the security council resolution 2593, and respect the rights of women and girls and their full equal and meaningful participatory and inclusion across all aspects of society in Afghanistan,” Ishikane said.
Members of the council from Britain, US, Switzerland, Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Japan, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, and a number of other countries called for the lifting of recent restrictions on Afghan women and girls imposed by the Islamic Emirates.
“Stood today with 10 countries to urge the Taliban to immediately reverse its oppressive measures against women and girls. These indefensible edicts do not reflect the will of the Afghan people,” US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield tweeted.
“The UNSC’s unified and tangible support for the Afghan people has never been more critical,” UAE Mission to the UN tweeted.
The Islamic Emirate’s deputy spokesperson stated in reaction to the UN Security Council meeting said that the current government implements all its activities on the basis of Sharia.
“The Islamic Emirate perceives the concerns of the nations and organizations of the world, but the Islamic Emirate has a responsibility towards the Islamic religion and values and the interests of its country and to regulate all affairs according to Islamic principles and Sharia laws,” said Bilal Karimi, the Islamic Emirate’s deputy spokesman.
Meanwhile, a number of religious scholars asked the Islamic Emirate to lift restrictions on women’s work and education in the country.
“The Islamic Emirate should provide employment opportunities for women in Afghanistan,” said Abdullah Ehsani, head of the religious scholars’ council.
“Job opportunities should be provided for those women who are forced to work and they are in need,” said Abdul Qadir Qani, political and religious analyst.
The UNSC meeting was held based on the suggestion of Japan and the UAE over the situation in Afghanistan, all the participants emphasized the need to remove restrictions on women in Afghanistan.
