OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani is described The new directive, which is said to take effect on Tuesday, is “another direct blow” by the de facto authorities to Afghan women and girls.
“It is deeply discriminatory, shortsighted, and puts the lives of women and girls at risk in so many ways.”
Afghanistan already has the world’s highest maternal mortality rate and there are deep concerns that the ban will further erode women’s precarious access to health care.
It would also prevent the training of a new generation of nurses and midwives.
Under Taliban regulations, male medical staff are forbidden from treating women unless accompanied by a male relative, making the presence of female medical staff crucial.
Ms. Shamdasani noted that the new directive not only hinders the path left for Afghan women to pursue higher education, but also weakens the country’s overall healthcare system.
Calling on the authorities to de facto abolish the harmful directive, she emphasized: “It is time for the human rights of women and girls to be guaranteed, in line with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations.”
Stunted development
United Nations Support Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also expressed deep concern about the directive, saying it places “further restrictions” on the rights of women and girls to education and access to health care.
“Final, it will have a detrimental impact on Afghanistan’s healthcare system and the country’s development,” The delegation said in one declare.
It is inexplicable and inexcusable
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur – or independent expert – on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, described the ban as “inexplicable and unjustifiable”.
“[It will] have a devastating impact on the entire population if implemented and must be reversed,” he said in a statement. parcel on social media platform X.
Appointed and authorized by the Agency based in Geneva Human Rights CouncilMr. Bennett serves in his personal capacity, independent of any government and the United Nations. He is not an employee of the United Nations and is not paid.
