Germany Condemns Taliban for Turning Afghanistan into Prison for Women

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has delivered a strong condemnation of Taliban, stating that their "inhumane regime" has destroyed aspirations of millions of Afghan women and girls, denying them the ability to lead normal lives.

Baerbock described the situation of Afghan women and girls as akin to living under house arrest.

In a statement released on Thursday, the German Foreign Minister emphasised the drastic changes that have occurred in Afghanistan, particularly for women, since the Taliban's return to power. She stated, "Since the seizure of power by the Taliban, with their radical Islamist worldview, the women of Afghanistan have been subjected to the most severe systematic human rights violations worldwide."

Germany, along with other European nations, has imposed sanctions on several key Taliban officials for their role in violating women's rights. On Thursday, Baerbock reiterated that as long as the Taliban continue to disregard Afghanistan’s international obligations, the country cannot be reintegrated into the global community.

On Wednesday, 14th August, the Taliban's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, called on Western countries to strengthen their relations with the group. In an interview with the BBC, Muttaqi argued that concerns over women's rights should not hinder the recognition of the Taliban government.

Baerbock painted a bleak picture of the conditions faced by women under Taliban rule, asserting that they have been entirely excluded from public life.

She remarked, "Half of the population is no longer permitted to do things that are part of any normal life. They can’t work, they can’t enter a hospital or restaurant alone."

In response to international criticism regarding their treatment of women, the Taliban have claimed that they are ensuring all rights and freedoms for Afghan women within the boundaries of their interpretation of Sharia law.

Women's protests against the Taliban's discriminatory policies, particularly in the early months following the fall of the previous government, posed a significant challenge to the group. In retaliation, the Taliban arrested and tortured women and girls who participated in demonstrations.

Many Afghan civil activists argue that the persistent protests by women, both within and outside Afghanistan, are a major reason why the Taliban government has not gained international recognition.