Time.news – “With deep shock, the EU learned on April 4 that the Taliban had decided to ban Afghan women from working for the United Nations and its agencies, funds and programmes. The decision follows several previous bans and edicts who have targeted Afghan women and girls, reinforcing and exacerbating the Taliban leadership’s continued denial of women’s rights, including the right to secondary and higher education, work and freedom of movement.” This was stated in a statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Joseph Borrell.
“The EU adheres to the UN and strongly supports its efforts, together with other international partners and the many Afghans who condemn these decisions, calls on the Taliban to immediately lift these bans and guarantee women and girls equal access to education and to all social services, economic and public spheres of life”, exhorts the head of European diplomacy.
“The EU reiterates its willingness to stand by its commitment to provide assistance for the benefit of the Afghan people, as part of a principles-based approach. We urge the Taliban to allow women to participate fairly and meaningfully in the delivery of aid and services, so that women can fully and actively engage in society, as well as remain aid recipients. Female staff must not be replaced,” adds Borrell.
“As stated by the EU in its Council Conclusions of 20 March 2023, if activities cannot be continued in line with the EU’s principled approach, i.e. providing aid in a non-discriminatory wayregardless of gender, support for such activities will be reconsidered.
The EU calls on the Taliban to keep their promises and to demonstrate their ability to respect and protect human rights and to provide basic services to the entire population of Afghanistan, in line with their previous statements and promises”, concludes Borrell .