Afghanistan’s Taliban stop women from working in NGOs after ‘serious complaints about dress code’
‘Women are central to humanitarian operations around the world,’ says Antony Blinken
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Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have asked all NGOs to stop their female employees from working after “serious complaints” about their dress code.
The order threatened to stop the operations of the NGOs if they don’t follow the instructions.
“There have been serious complaints regarding the non-observance of the Islamic hijab and other rules and regulations pertaining to the work of females in national and international organisations,” the notification sent to all the NGOs, said.
“The ministry of economy... instructs all organisations to stop females working until further notice,” the notification, which was reviewed by AFP, said. The NGO order came in a letter from economy minister Qari Din Mohammed Hanif.
“In case of negligence of the above directive, the license of the organisation which has been issued by this ministry, will be cancelled,” it added.
The US on Sunday condemned the Taliban, saying the ban will disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions.
“Women are central to humanitarian operations around the world,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said. “This decision could be devastating for the Afghan people.”
This news comes after the Taliban banned all female students from universities in Afghanistan.
Earlier this month, following a meeting of the Taliban government, universities were instructed in a letter – confirmed by the regime’s higher education ministry – to suspend female students’ access immediately until further notice, in accordance with a cabinet decision.
The Taliban reassumed control of Kabul last August, as western forces brought a hasty end to their decades-long presence in the South Asian country.
Returning to power after 20 years, the hardline clerical regime insisted that it would take a softer and more modernised approach to women’s rights and other areas of key concern to Afghanistan’s citizens and the international community, which has not officially recognised the de facto administration.
A change in policies on women’s education is among the key demands by foreign governments, including the US, in order for them to consider formally recognising the Taliban-run administration, which is also subject to heavy sanctions.
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