Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, women and girls in the country have faced an increasingly oppressive legal landscape, as the regime has enacted a series of laws and policies aimed at restricting their freedoms.

These laws, which systematically undermine basic human rights, have sparked outrage among the global community, particularly concerning the rights to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls. As the international community watches closely, the question arises: What can the global community do to protect women’s rights in Afghanistan, and prevent the spread of such repressive practices to other nations, particularly in the Muslim world?

The Taliban’s Restrictions on Women’s Rights

Under the Taliban’s rule, women’s rights in Afghanistan have been systematically rolled back, with the group imposing severe restrictions that are in direct violation of internationally recognized human rights standards. These measures have transformed Afghanistan into one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and girls. Among the most significant laws and policies that have been enacted since the Taliban regained power are:

1. Banning Girls’ Education: One of the most high-profile restrictions has been the Taliban’s decision to ban girls from attending secondary school. Although they initially allowed girls to attend primary school, girls’ education beyond the sixth grade was quickly prohibited. This policy has not only deprived Afghan girls of their right to education but also has long-term implications for their futures and the country’s development as a whole.
2. Employment Restrictions: The Taliban’s policies have also severely limited women’s ability to work. Women have been banned from working in most sectors, including government jobs, and are largely confined to domestic roles. The economic implications are vast, as women make up a significant portion of the workforce in sectors like healthcare and education. The loss of their economic participation harms not only women but also the broader Afghan economy.
3. Limitations on Mobility: Women in Afghanistan are now required to seek a male guardian’s permission to leave their homes. In practice, this has created an environment in which women’s mobility is severely restricted, hindering their access to vital services, including healthcare and legal protections.
4. Dress Code Enforcement: Women are also forced to adhere to strict dress codes, which require them to wear the full-body covering of a burqa in public. Failure to comply with this dress code can result in harassment, arrest, and physical punishment.
5. Criminalization of Women’s Rights Activism: Women who have protested against these oppressive measures have faced arrest, violence, and even execution in some cases. The Taliban has ruthlessly silenced civil society and women’s rights activists, sending a clear message that dissent will not be tolerated.

These actions stand in direct opposition to the fundamental human rights outlined in international conventions, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), both of which Afghanistan was once a signatory to before the Taliban’s resurgence.

Legal Frameworks and the Global Community’s Responsibility

The international community is bound by legal frameworks and human rights conventions that seek to protect the rights of women and girls around the world. Under these frameworks, such as CEDAW and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), governments are obligated to protect and promote the rights of women, including access to education, employment, freedom from violence, and equal treatment under the law.

However, when a regime such as the Taliban’s comes to power and implements laws that systematically undermine the rights of women and girls, the question becomes: what can the global community do to uphold these protections in practice?

1. Diplomatic Pressure and Sanctions

One of the most immediate tools that the global community can use is diplomatic pressure. Countries and international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), can issue statements condemning the Taliban’s actions and demand that they comply with international human rights standards. Sanctions against the Taliban’s leadership, key government figures, and entities that support their policies could be expanded and enforced, targeting the regime’s access to resources and financial aid. These sanctions would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate the systemic oppression of women and girls.

Additionally, governments could restrict the Taliban’s access to international forums and trade agreements, isolating them diplomatically to further pressure the regime. This would demonstrate a united global stance against their regressive policies and deny them the legitimacy they seek on the world stage.

2. Support for Afghan Women and Girls on the Ground

The global community must provide direct support to Afghan women and girls who are suffering under these laws. This includes funding and supporting local NGOs, women’s rights organizations, and international humanitarian groups that are providing vital services, including access to education, healthcare, and legal assistance. Efforts should focus on providing alternative routes for education, such as online platforms or safe-house schools, to ensure that girls can continue their education outside the reach of the Taliban’s restrictions.

There must also be investment in mental health and trauma recovery services, as many women and girls are experiencing heightened stress, depression, and anxiety due to the ongoing oppression. Offering support to women-led organizations that provide resources to women escaping violence or seeking asylum is essential, as these organizations have a deep understanding of the unique challenges Afghan women face.

3. Refugee and Asylum Protections

The global community must also ensure that Afghan women and girls who are fleeing the country due to the oppressive regime have access to asylum and refugee protections. Many women activists, educators, and professionals who oppose the Taliban’s laws are at risk of violence and persecution. The international community should offer pathways for these women to find safety, whether through relocation programs, temporary refugee status, or through support for asylum seekers. Countries should expand their asylum programs to ensure that women and girls fleeing the Taliban’s repression are welcomed and protected.

4. Preventing the Spread of Oppressive Policies in Other Islamic Countries

While Afghanistan’s situation is dire, it is crucial to recognize that the Taliban’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for other countries in the region. Countries with significant Muslim populations could, in the future, take cues from the Taliban’s policies if the international community does not intervene decisively. The global community must continue to emphasize the universality of human rights, ensuring that no government is able to claim cultural or religious justifications for gender-based oppression.

Educational campaigns, international dialogues, and partnerships with grassroots organizations in Muslim-majority countries can help safeguard women’s rights across the Islamic world. By encouraging the use of international human rights law in these regions and supporting local women’s rights movements, the global community can ensure that the principles of gender equality are upheld and advanced, even in challenging political environments.

5. Strengthening International Human Rights Law

Finally, the international legal community must work to strengthen enforcement mechanisms for the protection of women’s rights. This may include further developing international jurisprudence through the International Criminal Court (ICC) or the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Holding individuals accountable for gender-based violence, discrimination, and violations of women’s rights could deter other regimes from adopting similar repressive policies. International law should make it clear that those who systematically oppress women and girls will face legal repercussions.

Conclusion

The oppression of women and girls under the Taliban’s rule is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equality in many parts of the world. As the international community grapples with how to respond to these violations, it is crucial to recognize that human rights are universal, and the protection of women and girls must be prioritized. By using diplomatic pressure, offering direct support to Afghan women, providing asylum, preventing the spread of oppressive policies, and strengthening international legal frameworks, the global community can help safeguard the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and prevent similar practices in other nations.

The time for action is now—before the repression of women’s rights becomes normalized as a global trend.