The United Nations issued a formal appeal to Taliban authorities on Sunday, demanding the immediate reversal of restrictions prohibiting Afghan women from working within UN offices throughout Afghanistan. Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s special representative in the country, emphasized that these measures jeopardize critical humanitarian operations and violate fundamental human rights principles.
Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban regime has systematically excluded women from most professional sectors, including education beyond age 12, access to public spaces, and employment opportunities. The specific ban on female UN staff, implemented in September, has forced hundreds of women to work remotely for three consecutive months despite their crucial role in delivering emergency assistance.
These female professionals have been instrumental in coordinating relief efforts for earthquake victims and supporting Afghan migrants forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran. Ferguson stressed that their physical presence remains essential for providing culturally appropriate aid to women and girls, who often cannot be reached by male colleagues due to cultural constraints.
The UN refugee agency has already suspended cash assistance programs for returned migrants, acknowledging that without female staff, they cannot adequately interview or assist the over 50% of returnees who are women. The Taliban administration has not responded to international requests for commentary regarding these restrictions.