Spain’s UN Representative Labels Systematic Discrimination Against Afghan Women as Gender Apartheid
Spain’s representative to the United Nations, speaking on behalf of 55 member and observer countries, described the institutionalized and systematic discrimination against women and girls in Afghanistan as an example of “gender apartheid.” He called on the international community to prevent the acceptance and normalization of relations with the Taliban administration.
Praising the UN Special Rapporteur’s report on the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan, the diplomat stated that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, they have issued over 160 repressive decrees targeting women and girls.
He strongly condemned the continued ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade, the revocation of women’s right to work, severe restrictions on freedom of movement, and the exclusion of women from public life.
Expressing concern about reported systematic and severe violence, Spain’s envoy warned that these widespread human rights violations likely constitute “sexual harassment” and “crimes against humanity” under international law, calling for international efforts to identify and hold perpetrators accountable.
He emphasized that the current catastrophic situation in Afghanistan should not be accepted as the “new normal,” urging the global community to prioritize human rights in its engagement with the Taliban administration and to amplify the voices of women and civil society activists.
The Spanish representative also demanded the immediate lifting of all restrictions, including the ban on girls’ education, the removal of barriers to women’s employment, the unhindered operation of humanitarian activities, and the full implementation of the Taliban administration’s international human rights obligations.
