Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s acting permanent representative to the United Nations, says no religion or culture justifies discrimination against, harassment of, or denying women and girls access to education and public life.
In a post on his X account marking United Nations Day and the 81st anniversary of the UN’s founding, Faiq said it was concerning that religious interpretations were being used as a tool to justify systematic discrimination against women and girls, including their exclusion from education, employment, and public life.
“Discriminatory policies should not be equated with Islam or Afghan culture. Denying people their fundamental rights is in clear contradiction with Islamic principles,” he added.
The acting permanent representative said freedom of religion and thought in Afghanistan faces serious and growing restrictions.
He also noted that Afghanistan’s Shia, Hazara, and Ismaili communities continue to face discrimination, restrictions on religious practices, and security threats.
He said: “The de facto authorities have undermined Afghanistan’s longstanding religious and cultural diversity by restricting religious ceremonies, interfering in the affairs of religious institutions, and imposing their beliefs on others”.
Faiq noted that the United Nations has stood alongside the people of Afghanistan through periods of development, displacement, and crisis.
He said strengthening this cooperation and working toward a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan are among the UN’s priorities.
He also underscored Afghanistan’s commitment to its international obligations and to maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring countries.
For the past five years, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced sweeping restrictions on education, higher studies, and employment, and have been denied many social rights and opportunities.
