EU Special Envoy: Afghan Women and Girls Face Systemic Gender Discrimination and Repression

Niklasson made these remarks yesterday, Tuesday (17 September), in his speech at the European Parliament, citing the new Taliban law on promoting virtue and preventing vice as an example of these restrictions. He said that the situation in Afghanistan remains dire.

The EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan emphasized: “To alleviate this situation, the EU focuses on supporting the people of Afghanistan without legitimizing the Taliban, and through aid, the EU prioritizes support for women and girls.”

Niklasson clarified that this aid is provided under strict supervision and with a “by women for women” approach, ensuring that women have a meaningful role in the aid process.

The EU Special Envoy made these statements as the Taliban, after returning to power in Afghanistan, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls in the country.