A Taliban fighter patrolled a street in Kabul after the organization occupied the city.
The European Union, the United States and 18 other countries issued a joint statement on Wednesday stating that they “are deeply concerned about Afghan women and girls” and urged the Taliban to ensure their safety.
The statement said: “We are deeply concerned about Afghan women and girls and their rights to education, work and freedom of movement. We call on power and authority figures across Afghanistan to guarantee their protection.”
“Afghan women and girls, like all Afghans, should live in a safe, secure and dignified environment. Any form of discrimination and abuse should be prevented. Our international community is ready to provide humanitarian assistance and support to them at any time. Make sure they can be heard.”
Timeline | Taliban occupy Kabul
In addition to the European Union and the United States, other countries that signed the declaration include Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Northern Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Senegal and Switzerland.
They stated that they will pay close attention to “how any future government will ensure the rights and freedoms that have become an integral part of the lives of Afghan women and girls in the past two decades”.
The statement was issued when Western countries carried out evacuation flights from Kabul for their nationals and the Afghans who had helped them in the past two decades.
The last time the Taliban came to power, before they were expelled in a US-led invasion in 2001, their rule was characterized by a cruel literal interpretation of Islam that prevented Afghan women from working or studying or studying without a male “guardian”. travel.
Since taking power with lightning progress over the weekend, which caught the United States and its allies off guard, the Taliban have stated that their behavior will be different this time, and promised to respect women’s rights “in accordance with the principles of Islam.”
