Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands are taking a stand against the Taliban for violating the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The initiative was launched on Wednesday in New York alongside the UN General Assembly meeting, which runs until Monday.
In 2021, the Taliban promised a more moderate rule after seizing power. However, despite this promise, they have banned women and girls from studying beyond the sixth grade, attending many public places, and working in most jobs. In August, laws were passed requiring women to cover their entire bodies in public, with clothing not allowed to be short, tight, or thin. Women have also been silenced, with restrictions on using their voices to publicly read texts.
More than 20 countries have expressed support for the planned legal action against the Taliban. „Afghanistan is accountable under international law for the continued severe and systematic violations of numerous obligations arising from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,“ the countries stated.
The countries also announced that they do not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate leaders of the Afghan population. „Unfortunately, anti-Afghan propaganda is being spread through the mouths of several female refugees, misrepresenting the situation in Afghanistan,“ said Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat on social media platform X. He claimed that human rights are protected in Afghanistan and that no one is discriminated against.
The Taliban has rejected any criticism of their policies, including rules affecting women and girls. They argue that their actions are in line with the interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia.
In conclusion, the international community is taking a stand against the Taliban’s discriminatory treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. The violation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. The efforts of Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands to hold the Taliban accountable for their actions are commendable and demonstrate a commitment to upholding human rights and gender equality. It is crucial for the international community to continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan and take action to ensure the rights and freedoms of all individuals are respected and protected.