The UN Calls for the Repeal of Discriminatory Decrees Against Women in Afghanistan

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged Afghanistan’s caretaker government to repeal all discriminatory decrees issued against women in the country. He described the recent decree by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy banning women from working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and revoking their licenses for non-compliance as a grave mistake.

In a letter, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the Ministry of Economy’s recent warning to NGOs regarding the employment of women. He emphasized that the path Afghanistan’s interim government is pursuing is entirely wrong.

Mr. Türk highlighted the dire situation in Afghanistan, noting that more than half the population lives in poverty. He described the significant and critical role of NGOs in providing essential services to save the lives of women, men, girls, and boys in Afghanistan. He warned that the recent decree would negatively affect people’s access to humanitarian aid.

In part of his letter, the High Commissioner stated that no country could achieve political, economic, or social progress and development by excluding half of its population from public life. Based on this principle, he called on the interim government to rescind this highly discriminatory decree and other directives that restrict women’s and girls’ access to education, employment, public services—including healthcare—and freedom of movement in society.

The decree banning women from working in NGOs, issued by the interim government’s Ministry of Economy, has sparked global reactions. Experts warn that its implementation could further deteriorate the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.