Afghanistan’s Supreme Leader said Sunday that the country’s women had been rescued from “oppression” by the Taliban government and restored to their status as “free and dignified people”.
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In a statement to mark Eid al-Adha, which begins on Wednesday, Hibatullah Akhundzada, whose public appearances are very rare and who administers the country by decree from Kandahar (south), the cradle of the Taliban, reiterated that steps have been taken to To ensure women “a comfortable and prosperous life in accordance with Sharia” (Islamic law).
Last week, the United Nations said it was concerned about “gender apartheid” introduced by the Taliban government, which had intensified draconian measures against women.
Notably, since their return to power in August 2021, they have been barred from most secondary schools, universities and public administrations and, except in certain sectors, no longer have the right to work with international NGOs.
Mr Akhundzada assured that “necessary measures have been taken to improve the situation of women, who make up half of society”.
“All institutions have a duty to assist women in asserting their rights in marriage, inheritance and other rights,” the statement said.
The commander-in-chief said a six-point decree issued in December 2021 guarantees women’s rights, including banning forced marriages and guaranteeing the right to inheritance and divorce.
In a report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council last week, Richard Bennett, special rapporteur on Afghanistan, described the situation of women and girls in the country “as among the worst in the world”.
“Serious, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls is at the core of the Taliban’s ideology and power,” Bennett said.
Mr. Akhundzada appears very rarely in public and publishes messages on the occasion of Muslim holidays.
“At the national level, Afghanistan’s independence has been restored again,” he said.
He praised the country’s economic resilience, efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation and improved national security.
“It is our collective responsibility to protect and serve our Islamic system,” he recalled, believing it was “the result of the sacrifices of thousands of mujahideen.”