KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of women in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan within the framework of Islam.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, she stated that women’s and girls’ rights in Afghanistan continue to be under “constant attack.”
“This year, the rollbacks have gone even further, depriving them of a life of dignity,” she added.
Mohammed was referring to the Taliban’s recently enacted morality laws, which have further intensified restrictions on personal freedoms, particularly for women and girls.
In the latest decree, the Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered that new residential buildings be constructed without windows overlooking areas where women may be seen.
Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban, based on a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, effectively excluding them from public life, including education and employment.
The Taliban’s draconian rules have had a devastating impact on the lives of women and girls, leaving many feeling hopeless, depressed, and struggling with mental health challenges.
UN experts, legal scholars, and activists have consistently stated that the Taliban’s policies amount to a system of apartheid designed to subjugate women and girls based on their gender.
In her statement, the UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasized, “We will not surrender,” reaffirming her “unwavering” commitment to defending women’s rights “in Islam.”
