UAE condemns Taliban for banning women from working with NGOs

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned the Taliban for banning Afghan women from working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Political Affairs and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, warned that the Taliban’s decision would have a negative impact on the country’s population.

Nusseibeh further stated that women, children and the elderly are likely to be the most affected. Notably, the Taliban on 24 December ordered all local and foreign NGOs to ban female staff from working until further notice.

The decision was condemned around the world. Several foreign aid organizations have since announced the suspension of operations in the country.

“The UAE will work with regional and international partners in its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, stability, security and prosperity of Afghanistan,” Nusseeibeh said in a statement to the United Nations.

“This decision follows the Taliban’s recent ban on higher education for women and girls, which violates UN Security Council Resolution 2615 and will undoubtedly exacerbate humanitarian suffering in Afghanistan,” the envoy added.

She further stated that Islam respects women and upholds their rights, noting the importance of full and equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of life, according to reports arab news.