New Delhi: Amid several restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime on women in Afghanistan, a new decree was announced on Saturday that orders women to wear an all-covering burqa in public places at all times. The announcement drew criticism and condemnation from various countries and international bodies.
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General in a tweet on Sunday called the situation “alarming”. He stated that “I’m alarmed by today’s announcement by the Taliban that women must cover their faces in public and leave home only in cases of necessity.”
I'm alarmed by today's announcement by the Taliban that women must cover their faces in public and leave home only in cases of necessity.
I once again urge the Taliban to keep their promises to Afghan women & girls, and their obligations under international human rights law.— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 8, 2022
He further added that “I once again urge the Taliban to keep their promises to Afghan women & girls and their obligations under international human rights law.”
Earlier on Sunday, Global Affairs Canada in a statement “condemned” the move of the Taliban. “Canada is deeply concerned about escalating restrictions on Afghan women by the Taliban, now including the ruling to wear the all-covering burka (burqa) in public. The human rights gains for women and girls in Afghanistan achieved in recent decades must be preserved.”
(With Agency Inputs)