RASC News Agency: The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has responded to a recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), describing it as “groundless” and “rooted in a Western perspective.” The report raised serious concerns about the status of women’s rights and freedom of expression in Afghanistan. The Ministry, in its statement, asserted that women’s rights in Afghanistan are protected according to “Islamic principles and Afghan (Pashtun) values.” The Ministry also urged UNAMA to respect “the religious and cultural values of Afghan (Pashtun) society” when preparing its reports.
In its report, released on Monday, UNAMA examined the human rights situation in Afghanistan between October and December 2024. The report revealed that the Taliban’s restrictive policies have resulted in nearly 40,000 women being excluded from the healthcare sector. Additionally, 36,000 midwives and 3,000 girls studying healthcare were forced to abandon their education due to the closure of medical training centers specifically for girls. UNAMA further emphasized that the Taliban, through their stringent policies, have severely restricted freedom of expression and media activities. Female journalists, in particular, face even greater obstacles, including limitations on access to information and fieldwork. According to the report, female journalists are often barred from attending Taliban press conferences, and when allowed, they are restricted to designated seating areas.
One of the most contentious actions taken by the Taliban has been the ban on the education of women and girls. This policy, which has been in place since the Taliban’s return to power, has prompted widespread domestic and international outcry. Afghanistani citizens and leaders of Islamic nations have condemned the policy, arguing that it is inconsistent with Islamic teachings and Afghanistan’s values. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, subtly condemned these restrictions during a session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad, stating: “Declaring what is lawful as forbidden is the greatest sin.”
