The United Nations has formally condemned Afghanistan’s new personal status law, saying provisions related to marriage violate international human rights standards including protections for women and girls.
UN officials expressed grave concern over sections of the Taliban-enacted statute that appear to permit child marriage and restrict women’s autonomy in family matters. The law was issued under the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic governance since returning to power in 2021.
Human rights monitors said the measure reverses gains made during two decades of international engagement in Afghanistan. UNICEF and UN Women have previously warned that restrictions on girls’ education and employment compound vulnerabilities for adolescent females.
The Taliban government has not indicated it will revise the law. Diplomats said the condemnation adds to mounting international isolation of Kabul’s leadership over gender policies and civic freedoms.
The Taliban previously barred most secondary education for girls and restricted women’s employment in many sectors. UN agencies have documented rising humanitarian needs across Afghanistan since foreign aid declined after the 2021 withdrawal of international forces.
International aid groups continue operating under Taliban restrictions, with many female staff barred from field work. Diplomats said the marriage law may further complicate recognition talks with Western governments.
Women’s rights advocates said enforcement of the law could further isolate Afghan girls from education and economic participation.
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Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/news