The UN Deputy Secretary-General has asked for attention to and an assessment of the restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Women in Islam, Amina Mohammed said that investment in girls’ education can ensure a bright future not only for girls but also for their respective families and neighborhoods.
“The Taliban’s harsh restrictions and denial of divinely granted rights must be addressed as a matter of urgency. By investing in the education of our girls, we are not just uplifting individuals; we are securing a brighter future for our families, our sisters, communities, and neighborhood,” said Amina Mohammed, the United Nations deputy chief.
Saudi Arabia’s capital, Jeddah, is hosting the International Conference on Women in Islam and Indonesia’s foreign minister, who is also taking part in the conference, said that the Asian Group asks the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to suspend engagement with Afghanistan as the country imposes restrictions on women and girls.
“The Asian Group calls on OIC … to suspend the engagement in Afghanistan spearheaded by ulema’s mission. We want access of women to education and all aspects of Afghan society. This will result in tremendous result for Afghanistan’s recovery programs,” said Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson said that women’s rights have been ensured in Afghanistan.
“The issue of human rights particularly, the rights of women, have been resolved. The rights that have been given to sisters in Islam and Sharia, are the best rights which have never been seen elsewhere. We do have some problems in some areas which have not been addressed but these are exceptions,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.
The issue of women and girls continues to remain a hot topic between the international community and the Islamic Emirate since the latter came to power in August 2021.
Respecting the women and girls’ rights particularly rights to education and work is one of the preconditions for recognition of the Afghan caretaker government but the Islamic Emirate has always denied the claim.
