Kabul – In a sharp rebuke of the United Nations, a senior Taliban official has condemned recent comments by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding women’s rights in Afghanistan.

The UN chief’s remarks, in which he described the Taliban’s restrictions on women as “foolish,” have ignited a public spat, with the Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, calling for Guterres to be more “mindful of his words.”

The comments from the UN Secretary-General were part of a broader criticism from international bodies regarding the Taliban’s policies since their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.

These policies include the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade, restrictions on women’s employment in most sectors, and stringent dress code mandates. For the international community, these measures are seen as a severe setback to decades of progress on gender equality.

Mujahid’s Swift and Vehement Rejection

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid swiftly responded to the UN Secretary-General’s statement. He directly addressed the comments, stating that Guterres “should be mindful of his words and not use unnecessary language.”

Mujahid’s immediate and public condemnation underscores the Taliban’s sensitivity to international criticism, particularly when it is framed as a moral or intellectual failing.

In a formal statement, Mujahid, speaking on behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, strongly rejected the UN chief’s remarks on the violation of women’s rights, calling them “unwanted and contrary to reality.”

The spokesperson insisted that the Taliban’s approach to women’s rights is not only logical but also divinely sanctioned. He stated, “We protected the women’s rights as per our Islamic law and Shira.”

Afghan Government’s Strict Imposition of Sharia Law

On one side stands the UN and the majority of the international community, which views human rights as universal and inalienable, regardless of culture or religion.

They argue that women and girls in Afghanistan are being systematically denied their basic rights to education, work, and public life.

These rights are codified in numerous international treaties and declarations that many nations, including Afghanistan in previous governments, have ratified.

On the other side is the Taliban’s interpretation of governance, which prioritizes its version of Sharia law over international human rights norms.

Mujahid’s defence that “those who do not have Islamic knowledge should complete their knowledge” is a clear signal that the Taliban sees its policies not as a matter of opinion or political choice, but as a matter of religious obedience.

This rigid stance has had tangible consequences for the Afghan population. Reports from aid organizations and human rights groups detail the dire conditions faced by women, who are not only barred from education and employment but are also largely confined to their homes.

The economic and social impact of these restrictions is profound, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has left millions in need of assistance. The country’s economy has been significantly impacted, as women were a vital part of the workforce, and their exclusion has hindered economic recovery.