A UN special rapporteur has called for the Taliban to be held accountable for their violations of women’s rights in Afghanistan, urging that their “gender apartheid” be recognized as a crime under international law. Reports show that the Taliban has intensified its systematic oppression of girls and women, including banning them from attending school and cutting salaries for female civil servants.
The special rapporteur emphasized the importance of codifying “gender apartheid” as a crime against humanity, highlighting the severity and extent of the Taliban’s attacks on the civilian population. Afghan activists expressed concerns over the Taliban’s restrictions on women, emphasizing the need for international accountability mechanisms to address the ongoing crisis.
The special rapporteur also emphasized the importance of including women and civil society activists in future discussions about Afghanistan’s future, particularly in the upcoming Doha talks. The Taliban’s participation in these talks remains a point of contention, with activists fearing exclusion if the Taliban’s demands are met.