EU Deeply Worried About Afghan Women

The EU and United States, together with 18 other countries, issued a joint statement on 18 August saying they were “deeply worried about Afghan women and girls,” and urging the Taliban to ensure their safety, Euractiv.com reports.

“We are deeply worried about Afghan women and girls, their rights to education, work and freedom of movement. We call on those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan to guarantee their protection,” read the statement.

“Afghan women and girls, as all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. Any form of discrimination and abuse should be prevented. We in the international community stand ready to assist them with humanitarian aid and support, to ensure that their voices can be heard,” it added.

They said they would closely watch to see how “any future government ensures rights and freedoms that have become an integral part of the life of women and girls in Afghanistan during the last twenty years.”

After capturing Kabul, the Taliban say they will behave differently this time around. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced they would allow Afghan women to work and study “within the limits of Islamic law” and assured that media workers would be able to conduct their jobs freely as long as they did “not work against national values.”