The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Taliban’s recent decision to ban Afghan women from working for the UN in Afghanistan. The resolution was drafted by the United Arab Emirates and Japan, who acted as co-penholders on the Afghanistan file.
More than 90 UN member states co-sponsored the resolution, including, for the first time, more than 28 Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, spoke out about the importance of the resolution, saying, “By adopting this resolution, the UN Security Council is sending an unequivocal message of condemnation and a clear call for the swift reversal, not only of this latest ban, but of others restricting the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Stability, economic recovery, and political reconciliation are not possible in Afghanistan without the inclusion of Afghan women and girls.”
The resolution calls for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan, stressing the urgent need to continue addressing the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. It also recognizes the need to use assets belonging to Afghanistan’s Central Bank for the Afghan people’s benefit.
Additionally, the resolution reaffirms the indispensable role of women in Afghan society and expresses deep concern over the increasing erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women in Afghanistan.
The resolution’s adoption comes amid ongoing instability and violence in Afghanistan, with the Taliban having seized control of the country in August 2021. The international community has been vocal in its calls for the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls.
The UN Security Council’s adoption of this resolution sends a strong message to the Taliban and the international community that the rights of Afghan women and girls must be protected and respected. It is hoped that this resolution will contribute to greater stability and progress in Afghanistan, paving the way for a brighter future for all Afghans.