UN Chief Demands Immediate Reversal Of Taliban’s Restrictions On Afghan Women & Girls
UNITED NATIONS, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 7th Sep, 2026) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning to the Taliban, demanding an immediate reversal of its highly restrictive policies that have systematically stripped Afghan women and girls of their fundamental rights.
The statement, delivered via his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Taliban’s ban on Afghan women entering UN facilities.
The UN chief emphasized:
- These continuing discriminatory measures have created severe barriers to basic human rights, economic survival, and long-term stability across Afghanistan.
"Unhindered access for all United Nations personnel to their places of work is critical to fulfill our mandate, and to reach and support vulnerable people, especially women and girls, in accordance with cultural practices."
"Ensuring that women can deliver humanitarian assistance and essential services to women and girls is critical to an effective and principled response."
The Secretary-General reiterated his call on the de facto authorities (Taliban) to:
- Immediately reverse the ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations
- Ensure their safe and unhindered access to UN premises throughout the country.
He further urged the de facto authorities to:
- Lift all restrictions imposed on women and girls
- Uphold their rights to full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of Afghan society.
