By The South Asia Times

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to immediately reverse restrictions imposed on women and girls, warning that the policies are undermining fundamental rights, humanitarian efforts and the country's prospects for economic development and stability.

Guterres said in a statement that he remained "deeply concerned" about what he described as continuing discriminatory policies affecting Afghan women and girls across almost every aspect of their lives, including education, employment and participation in public life.

The UN chief said the restrictions violate fundamental rights and remain a major obstacle to Afghanistan's economic development, stability and reintegration into the international community.

He also highlighted restrictions specifically affecting Afghan women working for the United Nations.

According to Guterres, it has been one year since Afghan women have been prevented from accessing UN compounds across the country. He said the restrictions are contrary to international law, including the UN Charter, and are weakening the UN's ability to deliver life-saving assistance to Afghans at a time when humanitarian needs remain high.

"Unhindered access for all United Nations personnel to their places of work is critical to fulfil our mandate," Guterres said.

He stressed that women must be able to participate in delivering humanitarian assistance and essential services to Afghan women and girls, arguing that their involvement is essential for an effective and principled humanitarian response.

Guterres urged the Taliban authorities, which have governed Afghanistan since returning to power in August 2021, to allow Afghan women working for the UN to safely and freely access UN premises throughout the country.

He also called for the removal of wider restrictions on women and girls and urged the authorities to ensure their "full, equal and meaningful participation" in Afghan society.

The Taliban has imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls since taking power, including restrictions on girls' education beyond primary school and women's participation in many areas of employment and public life.

The measures have drawn widespread international condemnation and contributed to Afghanistan's growing isolation, while humanitarian agencies continue to face major challenges in providing assistance to a population heavily dependent on international aid.