Jan Egeland: Afghan Women’s Rights Have Been Destroyed Before the World’s Eyes

Photo: Egeland's X

Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Afghanistan, saying that years of progress, particularly in women’s and girls’ rights, “have been erased before the eyes of the world” since the Taliban’s takeover.

He made these remarks on Thursday (August 14) in a video message, warning that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is expanding. According to him, governments and international institutions must step in to support civilians, especially women and girls, through humanitarian aid, development programs, and the return of diplomats.

Egeland also highlighted the ongoing return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan and stressed that the international community must not abandon the Afghan people in these difficult circumstances.

These statements come as the Taliban, over the past four years, have imposed severe restrictions, banning girls above grade six from education and women from attending universities. Despite repeated global appeals to uphold human and women’s rights, the Taliban have yet to respond positively to any of these demands.