The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the caretaker government has responded to the UN’s report on harassment of women and girls returning to Afghanistan, calling it “unrealistic, political, and irresponsible.”
Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the ministry, in an audio message urged the UN to judge women “based on Islamic values and the cultural sensitivities of Afghanistan,” saying that women’s rights in Afghanistan are “protected under Islamic Sharia law.”
Mr. Khyber further stressed that Afghan women enjoy their Islamic and Sharia-based rights, and that their dignity and security are safeguarded.
He added that the caretaker government has taken significant steps to prevent forced marriages, ensure payment of dowries and inheritance, and curb harmful social customs and traditions.
In part of his message, he called on the UN—if it is truly an advocate for women’s rights—to pay attention to the mass killing of women and children in Palestine.
This comes as the UN Women section on Thursday, August 16, warned that women and girls returning to Afghanistan face dangers such as poverty, early marriage, harassment, and abuse, and called on the international community to take urgent action to protect their rights.
The UN report, highlighting the economic crisis, climate challenges, and unprecedented restrictions faced by women and girls, urged the international community to act for their protection.
It noted that Afghan women and girls are facing unprecedented limitations on their rights and freedoms due to the dire economic situation and climate challenges.
