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United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the Taliban’s continuing restrictions on Afghan women and girls, saying the policies violate their fundamental rights and hinder Afghanistan’s development and reintegration into the international community.
Guterres raised the concerns in a post shared on X on Tuesday, one year after Afghan women were prevented from accessing United Nations compounds across the country.
He said restrictions on women’s participation in public life, education and several areas of employment had affected virtually every aspect of their lives.
“I remain deeply concerned by the continuing discriminatory policies imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women & girls, which affect every aspect of their lives,” Guterres said.
He said the restrictions were also undermining Afghanistan’s economic development and stability.
Guterres expressed particular concern over the continued exclusion of Afghan women from UN premises, saying the policy was contrary to international law, including the UN Charter.
“These restrictions are contrary to international law, including the UN Charter, and undermine the organization’s capacity to carry out its mandate & deliver life-saving and other assistance to the Afghan people at a time when needs remain high,” he said.
The UN chief urged the Taliban, which has ruled Afghanistan since August 2021, to immediately reverse its ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations and allow them safe and unhindered access to UN facilities across the country.
He also called for the removal of broader restrictions on women and girls.
“I further urge the de facto authorities to lift all restrictions imposed on women & girls, and to uphold their rights to full, equal & meaningful participation in all aspects of Afghan society,” Guterres said.
I remain deeply concerned by the continuing discriminatory policies imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women & girls, which affect every aspect of their lives.
Restrictions on their full participation in public life, education & many areas of work violate their fundamental rights…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 8, 2026
