The United Nation is considering halting its mission in Afghanistan after the Taliban banned Afghan women from working for UN agencies in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the mission said the ban was in violation of international law and for that reason the United Nations could not comply with the measure.
“Through this ban, the Taliban de facto authorities seek to force the United Nations into having to make an appalling choice between staying and delivering in support of the Afghan people and standing by the norms and principles we are duty-bound to uphold,” the statement said.
Accordingly, the UN special envoy for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, has issued “an operational review period” up to May 5, the UN said.
The UN further warned that any negative consequences of “this crisis for the Afghan people” will be the responsibility of the Taliban.
All UN national personnel have been instructed not to report to UN offices, except for critical tasks, according to the statement.
The Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan women from working with the UN was the latest in a series of restrictions on women’s right to work.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have reimposed strict laws and regulations, including banning girls and women from accessing school classes beyond grade six.
Those who dare to criticise the decision have been suppressed under different pretexts.
