Taliban's Repetitive Response to the International Community: Women's Work Ban is a 'Domestic Social Issue'

In response to international pressure and the United Nations Security Council's request regarding the status of women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban has once again claimed that the ban on women's work is a 'domestic social issue.' According to news sources, Taliban officials stated on Friday, April 27, one day after the UN Security Council's call to 'lift the ban on Afghan women's work,' that this decision is a 'domestic social issue.' Since regaining power in the summer of 2021, the Taliban has imposed numerous bans, including restrictions on work and social activities for Afghan women. The UN Security Council condemned the Taliban's restrictions on 'the right to work and education for Afghan women and girls' through a 'resolution' and called on the group to 'lift the imposed bans.' The UN Security Council passed this resolution on Thursday evening, April 26, with 'the support of more than 90 countries' and 'by a majority vote.' According to the Dari section of Voice of America, in resolution 'number 2681,' the UN Security Council emphasized its 'strong commitment' to support the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity of Afghanistan, as well as continuous support for the people of this country. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, welcomed the Security Council resolution in a statement, saying, 'The UN Security Council resolution, which was unanimously adopted, sends a clear message to the Taliban: We condemn the oppression of Afghan women and girls and demand the swift repeal of your indefensible orders.' The US Ambassador to the UN added, 'While women and girls in Afghanistan are deprived of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, the international community will not remain silent.' Zabihullah Mujahid, the senior spokesman for the Taliban, stated on Wednesday, April 12, after the 'ban on Afghan women working at the UN office,' that 'the Islamic Emirate of the Taliban does not want to create an obstacle for UN activities but wants to clarify that this decision is an internal issue and should be respected by all parties.' Four months earlier, the Taliban had also 'banned Afghan women from cooperating with domestic and international aid organizations,' which led to the 'suspension of activities' of some of these charitable organizations.