RASC News Agency: Thomas Nicholson, the European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, has voiced deep concern over the systematic and severe gender-based discrimination and oppression faced by Afghanistani women and girls under the Taliban regime. Speaking on Tuesday, September 17, before the European Parliament, Nicholson emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan remains critical, worsening with each passing day. He cited the Taliban’s newly introduced “Amr bil Ma’ruf wa Nahi Anil Munkar” (Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice) law as a prime example of the increasingly repressive measures.
Nicholson stated: “To address this deteriorating situation, the European Union is committed to supporting the Afghanistani people without conferring legitimacy on the Taliban. Through our aid programs, the EU has prioritized assistance to women and girls.” He underscored that this aid is being delivered under strict oversight, with a “by women, for women” approach, ensuring that women play a significant role in the distribution process.
The introduction of the new “Amr bil Ma’ruf” law, recently published in the Taliban’s official gazette, has sparked widespread criticism, as it imposes further restrictions on women and girls. However, experience has shown that international financial aid to Afghanistan often ends up bolstering the Taliban regime, as a substantial portion of these funds is appropriated by the group’s members. Over the past three years, the Taliban has used significant amounts of global aid to strengthen their regime. Continuing financial assistance to Afghanistan, therefore, risks perpetuating the repression of the Afghanistani population.
