The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the Taliban’s continued restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly the ban on secondary education for girls, which has remained in place since March 2022. Speaking at the Commission on the Status of Women, the UK emphasized the need for accountability and international pressure to protect Afghan women’s rights.
Key Points from the UK’s Statement
- Support for UNAMA’s Work: The UK praised the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its ongoing support for the Afghan people.
- Condemnation of Women’s Rights Violations: The UK unequivocally condemned the Taliban’s continued ban on girls’ education and other restrictions on women’s freedoms.
- Call for Immediate Reversal of Bans: The UK urged the Taliban to lift oppressive restrictions and restore women’s fundamental rights.
- Support for International Accountability: The UK backs efforts to refer Afghanistan to the International Court of Justice for violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Taliban Must Choose: Isolation or Integration
The UK emphasized that the Taliban face a clear choice:
Adhere to international obligations on human rights, political inclusion, and counterterrorism to be integrated into the international community.
Continue repressive policies, further isolating Afghanistan from global diplomatic and economic support.
This stance aligns with Security Council Resolution 2721 (2023) and the Special Coordinator’s Independent Assessment, which outline conditions for engagement with the Taliban.
UK’s Approach to Engagement with Afghanistan
The UK reaffirmed its constructive engagement with the UN-led process, including:
- Doha meetings and working groups on counter-narcotics and private sector development.
- Collaborating with the international community to address Afghanistan’s political and economic challenges.
- Supporting UNAMA’s ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue between Afghan political actors and stakeholders.
However, the UK made it clear that continued engagement is not guaranteed without reciprocal commitment from the Taliban.
The UK remains firm in its stance: the Taliban must be held accountable for their treatment of women and girls, and international engagement will depend on their willingness to respect human rights.
With the backing of UNAMA and the international community, the UK continues to push for a future in Afghanistan where women and girls can access education, employment, and fundamental freedoms.
