UN Experts Condemn Taliban's Ban on Women Entering UN Offices, Urge Diplomatic Pressure
A group of United Nations experts issued a joint statement on March 31 condemning the Taliban's ban on Afghan women entering UN offices in Afghanistan, describing it as a direct attack on women's rights.
The restrictions, which began in September 2025, prohibit Afghan women, including UN staff, contractors and visitors, from accessing UN offices and camps. The UN experts highlighted that Taliban armed forces are deployed at the entrances of UN offices to enforce the ban.
The experts called for UN agencies to adopt a unified and strong stance against the restrictions and urged member states to apply diplomatic pressure on the Taliban to lift the ban immediately. They also appealed for solidarity with Afghan women and emphasized the need for a coordinated response, including from the UN Secretary-General.
The statement warned that the ban exacerbates the socio-economic hardships faced by Afghan women and poses serious risks to humanitarian operations, disproportionately affecting women and girls who rely on these services.
The UN experts stressed that the restrictions violate international law and undermine Afghanistan's future by denying women the right to work and participate in essential aid efforts.
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Where reports agree
- UN experts issued a joint statement on or around March 31, 2026 (11 Hamal), condemning the Taliban's ban on women entering UN offices since September 2025
- The ban is a direct attack on women's right to work
- Taliban forces enforce the ban at UN entrances
- Experts urge unified UN response, diplomatic pressure from member states, and support for Afghan women
- Consequences include worsened socio-economic conditions for women and risks to humanitarian aid
Where reports differ
- Minor phrasing variations: 'shocking' (Afghanistan International) vs 'shameful' (Amu TV); Hasht-e Subh does not specify descriptive term
- Explicit call on UN Secretary-General for coordinated response in Afghanistan International and Hasht-e Subh; implied in Amu TV
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