The United Nations General Assembly has strongly condemned the “systematic oppression” of women and girls in Afghanistan by the ruling Taliban authorities. In a resolution passed on Monday, 116 countries voted in favor, while the United States and Israel voted against, and 12 nations abstained.
The resolution expressed deep concern over the worsening human rights situation, specifically targeting the Taliban’s policies that severely restrict the freedoms of Afghan women and girls. It stated that the Taliban has created an “institutionalized system” of discrimination and exclusion, depriving women of education, work, and public participation.
Since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed harsh restrictions, banning secondary and higher education for girls and limiting women’s ability to work or appear in public life. These actions have drawn global condemnation and are viewed as a rollback of basic human rights.
The UN resolution urged the Taliban to reverse these policies immediately and respect the rights and dignity of all Afghans. It also welcomed ongoing Doha talks—launched in 2023—to guide the international community’s coordinated engagement with Taliban authorities.
However, the United States opposed the resolution, saying it refuses to continue engaging with Taliban officials without seeing meaningful change. “We will no longer enable their heinous behavior,” said U.S. representative Jonathan Shrier, calling for accountability over continued abuses.
Meanwhile, Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government last week, a move that may complicate future international efforts to pressure the regime into reforming its oppressive practices.