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UN chief calls for global support for women and girls

On World Population Day, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for the world to stand with women and girls who are fighting for their rights.

“Gender-based discrimination harms everyone,” Guterres tweeted on Tuesday. “Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries. Let’s stand by the women who are fighting for their rights,” he added.

The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has led to a systematic denial of women’s rights. The group has imposed a number of restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education, work, and freedom of movement. These restrictions have had a devastating impact on women’s lives.

Despite repeated appeals from women within Afghanistan, the international community, human rights organizations, and UN agencies, the Taliban leadership has consistently refused to reverse their bans on women’s rights. They have continued to enforce restrictions that limit the rights and freedoms of women and girls in the country.