UN Security Council: Taliban's Law on Promotion of Virtue Deepens Gender Discrimination

The statement was issued on Friday (September 6) by representatives of 12 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, Japan, and others.

In the statement, Security Council members emphasized that this law imposes further unacceptable restrictions on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Afghan people. They have called on the Taliban to immediately revoke policies and practices that hinder women and girls from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Security Council members stated that respect for the rights of women and girls is essential for achieving a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

They also referred to the ban on the entry of Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and described this decision as disturbing. Security Council members said the Special Rapporteur must be able to fully carry out his mandate.

It is worth noting that the Taliban, while intensifying restrictions on the freedom and rights of Afghan citizens, have also banned the visit of Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. The group has accused Richard Bennett of "propaganda" against them and said that he is exaggerating small issues.