The United Nations (UN) calls for the lifting of the ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) imposed by the radical Islamic Taliban in Afghanistan. The head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Ramis Alakbarow, insisted on this in a meeting with Mohammad Hanif, responsible for the Taliban regime’s economic agendas, UNAMA said today.
“Millions of Afghans are in need of humanitarian aid, and removing barriers is vital.” Hanif’s ministry on Saturday ordered all domestic and foreign NGOs to ban women from working until further notice. The reason given was that some women did not adhere to the prescribed interpretation of the Islamic dress code. The measure was met with harsh criticism from the European Union and the federal government.
While the order does not directly apply to the United Nations, many of its programs are implemented by organizations that are subject to it. Due to this further restriction of women’s rights, several international aid organizations have temporarily suspended their work in the country. The three NGOs Save the Children, Care International and the Norwegian Refugee Council said on Sunday their programs would be suspended pending clarification of the government’s order.
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