Decrees Against Women and Girls in Afghanistan
The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has released a report detailing the troubled situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. According to the report, the Taliban issued over 50 restrictive decrees against women and girls in Afghanistan since they came into power in August 2021. The report will be presented at the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.
Economic Pressures and Discrimination Faced by Women and Girls
Kabul24: The report highlights the widespread and systematic discrimination that women and girls face in Afghanistan, resulting in severe pressure on them and their families.
The economic crisis, combined with the restrictive environment, has resulted in a surge in poverty, domestic violence, and an increase in forced and underage marriage. Recent reports indicate an increase in the sale of children and body parts. Between December 2022 and February 2023, the International Organization for Migration has received almost 578 reports of forced marriage, of which 361 were child marriages.
Depression, Suicide, and the Lack of Freedom
The report also stated that the Taliban’s claims of decreased suicide cases and improved mental health are contrary to the facts.
Reports of depression and suicide cases, especially among teenage girls who are prevented from pursuing education, have witnessed a surge in recent months.
One of the most notable examples of systematic discrimination faced by Afghan women and girls is the issuance of restrictive decrees, decrees, declarations, and instructions restricting access to education, employment, health, and justice.
Suppressing the Right to Protest
The report further highlights the suppression of women’s protests and resistance against discriminatory policies of the Taliban. These demonstrations have faced several difficulties and sometimes led to arbitrary detention, mistreatment, and arrests.
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The authors of the report have urged the Taliban to comply with international human rights obligations in Afghanistan by cancelling all orders and directives against discrimination.
