PRESS RELEASE : The Taliban must reverse its abhorrent policies against Afghan women and girls – UK statement at the UN Security Council [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 September 2024.

Statement by Jess Jambert-Gray, Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

First and foremost, the UK unequivocally condemns the so-called “vice and virtue” law issued by the Taliban. As my Foreign Secretary said, this law marks another tragic setback for the country, and for its people.

The international community must speak in one voice in our total opposition to the Taliban’s continued assault on human rights. We call on the Taliban to immediately reverse these abhorrent policies and ensure the fundamental freedoms of all Afghans.

The UK is unwavering in our support to Afghan women, and to providing platforms for their voices to be heard. We are pleased to co-host a UN General Assembly side event later today that will shine a spotlight on Afghan women and girls in the fight against food insecurity.

Second, we call on the UN to drive forward progress on Security Council Resolution 2721. This includes the urgent appointment of a Special Envoy.

But let us be clear, the Taliban cannot expect the international community to move forward on the UN process without first meeting their international obligations on the fundamental freedoms of women and girls, political inclusion, and counter terrorism.

Finally, the international community needs to step up the humanitarian response in Afghanistan, which remains only 30% funded.

As the latest Secretary General report set out, 23.7 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2024. 12.4 million people are acutely food insecure and 6.6 million people remain internally displaced. The recent Taliban restrictions will only make this appalling situation worse for Afghanistan’s most marginalised and most vulnerable.

Since 2021, the UK has provided over $800 million to address the humanitarian crisis. We urge others to take similar steps to alleviate the suffering of Afghan people.

We remain committed to working constructively with parties inside and outside of Afghanistan for an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours, and the international community.