UN Chief Calls for Immediate End to Taliban Restrictions on Afghan Women and Girls

DID Press: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s continuing discriminatory policies toward Afghan women and girls, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions imposed on them.

In a statement issued ahead of the first anniversary of the ban preventing Afghan women from accessing United Nations compounds across Afghanistan, Guterres said the restrictions violate international law, including the UN Charter, and undermine the organization’s ability to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance.

The UN said the restrictions began on September 7, 2025, when Afghan female UN personnel were prevented from entering UN premises. The measure was subsequently extended to UN field offices across the country.

Guterres called on the Taliban authorities to immediately reverse the ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations and guarantee their safe and unhindered access to UN facilities throughout the country.

He also urged the Taliban to lift all restrictions on women and girls and uphold their right to full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of Afghan society. The UN stressed that allowing women to deliver humanitarian assistance and essential services to Afghan women and girls is critical to an effective humanitarian response.