Today, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the Taliban's decision to ban Afghan women from working for the UN in Afghanistan. These decisions have a devastating impact on a large part of the population and constitute a serious obstacle to a united, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan. This new work ban affects the ability of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to fulfil its mandate, which was extended by the Security Council for 12 months on 16 March 2023.
Switzerland voted in favour of the resolution in the Security Council. The resolution is a clear signal from the Security Council in this alarming situation and calls on the Taliban to lift their decrees. The ban is a violation of the UN Charter and women's rights, hinders humanitarian aid and the social and economic development of the country.
The entire Afghan society, especially women and girls as well as ethnic minorities, must be able to participate in public life without fear of reprisals. This is indispensable for the urgently needed development as well as for a lasting peace in Afghanistan.
