The United Kingdom said it was “appalled” by the continued restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Delivering the UK statement, Jacqui Smith, Baroness Smith of Malvern, UK Minister of State for Skills and Minister for Women and Equalities, said the UK was “appalled” by the continued restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, including the ban preventing Afghan women from accessing UN spaces, adding that millions were being systematically excluded from society.
The UK said it stands in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, adding that they deserve full, meaningful and equal participation in all areas of life.
The UK also said it was dismayed by what it described as the Taliban’s new criminal procedures directive, which it alleged legitimises domestic violence, embeds religious discrimination, and targets women and minority groups.
The statement also highlighted Britain’s humanitarian support to Afghanistan, noting that the UK is providing more than $200 million this financial year for life-saving assistance and basic services for vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls.
However, the UK said it was deeply dismayed by what it described as the Taliban’s refusal to allow essential health and nutrition supplies to cross into Afghanistan, warning that the restrictions were affecting aid delivery. According to the statement, about 22 million people across the country remain in need of humanitarian assistance.