UNSC calls for IEA to reverse bans affecting women and girls

Eleven members of the United Nations Security Council called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to reverse work and education bans imposed on women and girls.

In a joint statement issued by Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, the UNSC members said women are central and critical to NGO operations to relieve the “dire” humanitarian situation.

“Without their participation in aid delivery in Afghanistan and their essential expertise, NGOs will be unable to reach those most in need, in particular women and girls, to provide lifesaving materials and services,” the statement said.

It added that a stable, economically viable, and peaceful Afghanistan is only attainable and sustainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, have access to and receive education, and fully, equally, and meaningfully participate in and contribute to the country’s future and development.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council that given the gravity of the situation it should unanimously adopt a resolution to condemn the bans and call for an immediate reversal, Reuters reported citing diplomats.

It was not immediately clear whether all members would back such a formal move by the council. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, Britain, France or the United States to be adopted.

UN envoy for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, has reiterated that IEA decisions including the ban on girls attending high school, preventing women from going to university, and barring them from doing humanitarian work, are all “grave violations of fundamental rights.”

She stressed the need for Council unity in the face of these decisions.