UK Calls For Sustained Global Pressure On Taliban Over Women’s Rights Violations

The United Kingdom has urged the international community to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to lift their “inhumane” restrictions on women and girls.

Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Eleanor Sanders, the UK Ambassador for Human Rights at the United Nations, condemned the Taliban’s continued suppression of women, particularly the bans on female education and employment.

She described the prohibition of women’s access to medical education, including nursing, midwifery, and dentistry, as “appalling,” highlighting these actions as clear violations of fundamental human rights. Sanders called on the Taliban to immediately reverse these restrictions, stating, “The Taliban must lift these inhumane measures to ensure a brighter future for all Afghans.”

The UK Human Rights Ambassador also reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, announcing a £171 million humanitarian aid package to provide essential services.

She stressed that sustained international pressure is crucial to compelling the Taliban to reverse their repressive policies and uphold the rights of all Afghans.