UN rights chief: Women removed from Public Life in Afghanistan

The UN Human Rights Chief warned that women in Afghanistan have been systematically removed from public life, facing severe restrictions and discrimination.

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned about the deteriorating condition of Afghan women during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Speaking on Monday, June 16, Türk stated that women and girls in Afghanistan have been “erased from public life” under the current authorities, raising global concern.

He further emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities also face grave threats in Afghanistan, calling for greater international attention to their protection and rights.

Türk also expressed concern over shrinking international support, noting that some countries have reduced humanitarian funding for Afghan women at a time of growing vulnerability.

Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, presented his latest report focusing on access to justice and protections for Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule.

Bennett reiterated that the situation for Afghan women has worsened and urged the creation of a new, independent accountability mechanism to address ongoing human rights abuses.

The UN officials’ remarks come amid continued global alarm over systematic gender apartheid in Afghanistan, where women face bans on education, work, and free movement.

With little accountability in place, human rights experts argue that without strong international mechanisms and consistent pressure, the situation is likely to deteriorate further for women in Afghanistan.