The Taliban have banned women from working for local and foreign NGOs in Afghanistan after “serious complaints” about their dress.
Islamists announced new restrictions on women on Saturday, four days after they banned women from university education.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy announced the revocation of operating licenses for organizations that do not comply with the provision.
This action threatens the work of humanitarian organizations. Ramiz Alekperov, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, criticized in a Twitter message the “clear violation of humanitarian principles”.
According to the US Secretary of State, the decision could have a devastating effect on the Afghan people. In a message on Twitter, Anthony Blinken expressed concern that the Taliban had banned women from distributing vital humanitarian aid to the millions living in Afghanistan.
The European Union strongly condemned the Taliban’s decision
– Josep Borrell, spokesman for the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, wrote in a statement.
Dozens of Afghan and international organizations operate in remote parts of Afghanistan, and many of their employees are women. Four days ago, Minister of Higher Education Nida Mohamed Nadeem announced that women cannot attend public and private higher education institutions for an indefinite period of time.
In August 2021, contrary to promises made upon returning to power, the Taliban reverted to a strict interpretation of Islam, gradually removing women from public life and secondary schools.
