UN dismay as Afghan Taliban stops women working for NGOs

By Nathan Morley

Four international aid groups have halted their operations in Afghanistan following a decision by the governing Taliban to ban women from working at non-governmental organisations.

The United Nations was first to say the move violated fundamental rights.

Women central to aid distribution

After the ban, the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and CARE said they could no longer effectively reach people in need without the women amongst their ranks.

The NGOs had been providing healthcare, education, and nutrition services amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

The Norwegian Refugee Council alone employed 468 female staff in Afghanistan.

Alleged violations of Sharia law

The NGO ban was introduced because women were allegedly not wearing the Islamic headscarf correctly.

Elaborating, the Afghan government said women were breaking Sharia law by failing to wear the hijab.

In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was deeply concerned the move would “disrupt vital and life-saving assistance to millions”.