Taliban Issues Final Warning to Halt Activities of All Local and Foreign NGOs Employing Women in Afghanistan
The Taliban government has issued a stern warning to all local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Afghanistan that employ Afghan women, stating that their activities will be halted if they fail to comply with the directive.
In a letter released by the Ministry of Economy on Sunday night, the Taliban announced that non-compliance with the order would result in the cancellation of the organizations' activities and the permanent suspension of their licenses.
Two years ago, the Taliban had ordered NGOs to suspend employing women, accusing them of not wearing the Islamic hijab properly.
Taliban's New Directive:
The Ministry of Economy stated in its letter that women must completely cease working in organizations not controlled by the Taliban. The letter added, “If there is a lack of cooperation, the activities and licenses of such organizations will be canceled.” This directive marks the latest attempt by the Taliban to control or interfere in NGO operations.
Disruption to Humanitarian Aid:
The United Nations Security Council has already highlighted that Taliban policies are impeding humanitarian efforts. Senior UN official Tom Fletcher reported that instances of female and male aid workers being obstructed by the Taliban's morality police have increased.
However, the Taliban claims they are neither halting the operations of aid agencies nor interfering in their activities.
New Restrictions on Women:
The Taliban has already barred women from many professions, public spaces, and education beyond the sixth grade.
Additionally, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a new directive concerning windows in buildings.
New Rules on Windows:
In a four-clause decree released on Saturday night, the Taliban stated that buildings must not have windows overlooking areas where women might sit or stand. This directive applies to both new and existing buildings. If such windows exist, the property owner must obscure the view using walls, fences, or screens to "eliminate harm."
Local authorities and urban development departments have been tasked with ensuring that new buildings adhere to these regulations.
These policies are imposing further restrictions on the lives of women in Afghanistan and have drawn widespread criticism from the international community.
