UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to intervene in the escalating women’s rights crisis in Afghanistan. In a compelling speech to the council, Bahous highlighted the severe deterioration of women’s rights in the country under Taliban rule.
Bahous proposed three recommendations for the UNSC consideration: organizing a meeting devoted to discussing the role that the UNSC can play in responding to the violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan, recognizing Afghanistan as an ongoing women’s rights crisis characterized by many facets, and codifying gender apartheid in international law.
As per Bahous’ observations, the regressive gender norms under the Taliban reign and the increasing isolation of women have greatly diminished their participation in financial activities and infringed on their freedoms. In particular, Afghan women have been forbidden from working at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and pursuing university education, among other limitations.
The stringent gender norms have not only deteriorated women’s mental health but also exacerbated gender-based violence in the country. In response, Afghan women are making demands to the international community to sustain political pressure through methods like non-recognition of the Taliban’s power to safeguard women’s right to education, employment, and political participation.
An UN survey showed that 47% of Afghan women argued that the international community should never grant recognition to the Taliban authorities, while another 49% maintained that recognition should only be granted when women’s rights are secured.
The United Nations, in its founding Charter, promises to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion. Yet, a potential obstacle to UN intervention lies in the reality that permanent members like China and Russia have shown their support to the Taliban regime and have recognized their autonomy.
The situation in Afghanistan is continually being reported by the UN since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. The most recent report, dated September 18, reinforces Bahous’ concerns. Another report by Human Rights Watch manifests the continuing gender-based crimes perpetrated by the Taliban and urges the international community to hold the Taliban government accountable for gender persecution.
This urgent call for intervention, voiced by Sima Bahous, underscores the significant role the international community has to play in protecting women’s rights in Afghanistan. It remains to be seen how the United Nations and its members will respond to this human rights crisis.