In response to United Nations Security Council concerns over Afghanistan’s human rights situation, Heather Barr, Co-director of the Women’s Right Division at Human Rights, called for the reinstatement of travel bans on senior Taliban officials.
“This urgent UN Security Council statement is good news, at a time when Afghanistan risks being forgotten.” Heather Barr tweeted last night, Tuesday 24th May.
Referring to the UN Security Council’s late statement on the situation of Afghanistan, Barr commented that “there have been 9 [months] of ‘deep concern’” and called for re-imposition of travel bans on senior Taliban officials as taking more practical steps.
“It’s time for much more active and practical steps, including reinstating the travel ban,” she added.
The Security Council called on the Taliban in its recent statement to “swiftly reverse” their policies restricting human rights and women’s and girls’ freedoms.
It has also expressed “deep concern” and called on the Taliban to reopen the schools for all female students “without further delay”.
The Security Council stressed the importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation, stating that these restrictions run contrary to international expectations and the Taliban’s commitment to the Afghan people.
