Majority of Afghan women against Taiban recognition: UN

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recently conducted a survey among Afghan women, shedding light on their apprehensions concerning the potential recognition of the Taliban.

Interviews with 745 women from all 34 provinces revealed that nearly 67% of respondents fear that recognizing the Taliban could worsen the already precarious situation of women’s rights in the country.

According to the survey’s findings, a significant portion of Afghan women, approximately 32%, are open to the idea of recognizing the Taliban only if all imposed restrictions on women are entirely lifted.

Interestingly, the report highlights varying degrees of opinion among Afghan women regarding the conditions for recognizing the Taliban. While 25% of respondents are in favour of recognition after the removal of some existing restrictions, another 28% firmly oppose any recognition under any circumstances, emphasizing the gravity of the situation for women in Afghanistan.

A separate survey conducted by UNAMA in July 2023 revealed that an overwhelming 96% of Afghan women prefer any recognition of the Taliban to be contingent on significant improvements in the situation of women.

The report also highlights the Taliban’s introduction of 50 decrees directly targeting women’s rights, according to the United Nations. This alarming statistic underscores the systematic challenges Afghan women face and the urgent need for international attention and action to protect their rights and freedoms.

The Taliban’s arbitrary detentions instill fear in Afghan women, with 57% afraid to go outside without a male relative. Only 1% believe they influence community decisions. Women oppose Taliban recognition without lifting restrictions. They seek international support to address Taliban oppression, emphasizing the need for women’s rights in Afghanistan.