The Taliban’s ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provides for a few exceptions. For example, United Nations workers and women in the health sector are not affected. This is evident from the minutes of a meeting between the UN and the Islamist leadership in Afghanistan.
Also excluded are foreign female employees of NGOs. According to the Taliban economy minister, Din Mohammed Hanif, women continue to ignore the veil regulations. He first tried to solve the problem through dialogue with the NGOs until the senior Taliban leadership found out. As a result, the ministry was asked to write the letter asking the non-governmental organizations to suspend their employees.
However, the Minister of Economic Affairs would support the search for a solution and submit a proposal to the UN mission within a few days. The Taliban initially did not respond to an APA request on Tuesday. They met with UN officials and made it clear that the work ban does not apply to UN workers or foreign women in NGOs. In addition, all women in the health sector must continue to work.
NGOs: accusations unjustified
As reported, several aid organizations important to the country have already ceased operations. These include the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and Welthungerhilfe. NGO circles said that the accusations that the women were not or incorrectly veiled were not justified. The work ban has led to international criticism.
“These incalculable restrictions on women and girls will not only increase the suffering of everyone in Afghanistan. I fear they pose a threat outside Afghanistan as well,” said the head of the UN human rights office, Volker Türk, on Tuesday. He pointed, among other things, to the risk of further refugee flows and “domino effects”. Before the work ban, the Taliban had banned students from attending universities and high schools until further notice.
Some are only offered by NGOs
No country can survive if half the population is excluded, Turk said. In addition, some life-saving health services are only provided by NGO employees. According to the United Nations, the UN and its partners provide humanitarian assistance to more than 28 million people in Afghanistan. An estimated 37 million people live in the country.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
