After Taliban banned women from working for the UN, the European Union links its aid to Afghanistan
In an attempt to persuade the Taliban regime in Kabul to reverse its decision to ban women from working, the EU has linked aid to Afghanistan on several conditions.
According to a report issued by the Afghan TV channel “Tolo News”, the European Union has linked aid to Afghanistan to the lifting of the ban imposed on Afghan women workers by the Taliban regime in Kabul.
Europe’s Terms
The European Union (EU) has said the Taliban’s ban on women working for UN agencies violates international law, and said aid to Afghanistan cannot be delivered regardless of gender, and aid activities will be reviewed, Asian newspaper First Post reported.
“We urge the Taliban to allow women to participate in working life in a meaningful way by providing assistance and services so that women can fully and effectively participate in society, and also remain beneficiaries of assistance, so that female staff should not be replaced,” the ACWF said.
As stated by the EU in the Council’s conclusions of 20 March 2023, where activities cannot continue in line with the EU’s principled approach, i.e. assistance is provided in a non-discriminatory manner, regardless of gender, support for these activities will be reconsidered.”
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to continue its engagement and to provide assistance with an ethical perspective for the benefit of the Afghan people.
Women’s exclusion
“Not only the UN offices, but other government offices, the rights of female Afghan employees must be guaranteed, to allow Afghan women to return to their jobs,” Mariam Maarouf Erwin, a women’s rights activist, was quoted as saying by Afghan TV.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also supported the European Union’s stance, saying the Afghan Taliban’s decision to ban women from working will lead to a reduction in services and support for all people in Afghanistan.
“We strongly condemn this ongoing assault on the human rights of women, which will only lead to reduced services and support for all Afghans,” USAID said in a statement.
“Along with the international community, the US calls on the Taliban to immediately reverse this abominable decision.”
But the Taliban’s economy ministry said aid to Afghanistan should not be tied to political or cultural issues.
According to the United Nations (UN), some 3,300 of its staff – male and female – have been forced to stay home since the Taliban barred women from working for UN agencies in Afghanistan.
The plight of women in Afghanistan has worsened since the Taliban captured Kabul in August 2021.
