By Oluwaseun Sonde
United Nations has showed concern with the announcement by the Taliban de facto authorities that all women must cover their faces in public, and should only leave their homes in cases of necessity in Afghanistan.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) who made this known on Saturday, said the decision contradicts numerous assurances regarding respect for and protection of all Afghans’ human rights, including those of women and girls.
According to UNAMA, "the announcement contradicts what have be provided on human rights to the international community by Taliban representatives during discussions and negotiations over the past decade.
"While these assurances were repeated following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, that women would be afforded their rights, whether in work, education, or society at large", UNAMA said.
UNAMA stated that violations of the announced directive will lead to the punishment of their male relatives. "Information received suggests that this is a formal directive rather than recommendation, which will be implemented and enforced.
The Agency noted that international community has been eager for signals that the Taliban are ready for positive relations with the wider world.
"But the decision six weeks ago to postpone secondary schooling for Afghan girls was widely condemned internationally, regionally, and locally. Today’s decision by the Taliban might further strain engagement with the international community".
UNAMA will immediately request meetings with the Taliban de facto authorities to seek clarification on the status of this decision. "We'll also engage in consultations with members of the international community regarding its implications".
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has also reacted to this announcement on his tweets on Saturday, urging the Taliban to keep their promises to Afghan women and girls, and their obligations under international human rights law.
Meanwhile, Taliban has ordered all women to veil their faces when in public, returning Afghanistan to the dress code enforced during their previous time in power at a press conference on Saturday.
A decree from the group's supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, said that if a woman did not cover her face outside the home, her father or closest male relative would be visited and face potential prison or firing from state jobs.
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