UN Special Rapporteur Condemns Taliban Ban on Women Entering UN Offices
UNITED NATIONS (Afghan Verified) -- Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has condemned a Taliban ban preventing Afghan women from entering UN offices and compounds as discriminatory and unjustifiable.
Bennett joined a joint statement from 27 other UN experts who described the policy as a "shameful" and "unjustifiable attack" that weakens life-saving humanitarian aid delivery. The experts warned of severe consequences for UN operations in Afghanistan, where female staff are essential.
The ban, enforced since September 2025 according to Amu TV, bars Afghan women including UN employees, contractors and visitors from accessing UN compounds. Amu TV reported that Taliban armed forces control the gates of these compounds to prevent women from entering.
The statement urged the Taliban to immediately revoke the "highly discriminatory policy" and called on UN bodies and member states to take strong diplomatic action.
Khaama Press reported Bennett's condemnation separately, highlighting its impact on women's rights and employment as well as humanitarian efforts. Both outlets attributed the remarks to Bennett's statements on X on Tuesday.
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Where reports agree
- Richard Bennett condemned the ban on women entering UN offices
- The ban is described as discriminatory, unjustifiable, and harmful to women's rights and humanitarian aid
- UN experts issued a joint statement calling for its revocation
- Broader Taliban restrictions on women since 2021 context
Where reports differ
- Specific start date of the ban (September 2025 in Amu TV, not specified in Khaama Press)
- Taliban control of UN gates mentioned only in Amu TV
- Exact phrasing of Bennett's action (reposting in Amu TV vs. joining in Khaama Press)
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