The Taliban said today it was absurd to be accused of gender discrimination and other human rights abuses after four countries announced they would hold Afghanistan's government accountable group for violating international law in relation to its treatment of women, reported AP, quoted by BTA.
Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York that they are ready to bring legal proceedings against the Taliban for violating the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which itself Afghanistan is a country.
The Taliban took power in that country in 2021. Although they have promised more moderate rule, they have banned women and girls from continuing their education beyond the sixth grade, from unaccompanied public places and from working. Afghanistan's Ministry of Promotion of Virtues and Prevention of Vices last month banned women from going outside without a burqa and speaking in public.
More than 20 countries have expressed their support for the proposed legal action against the Taliban. "We condemn the gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Afghanistan, particularly gender-based discrimination against women," the parties said. They added that "Afghanistan is responsible under international law for its continued gross and systematic violation of its numerous obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said that human rights are protected in Afghanistan and that no one is discriminated against.
"Unfortunately, an attempt is being made to spread propaganda against Afghanistan through a few escaped (Afghan) women and distort the situation," he said in "X" (X). "It is absurd to accuse the Islamic State of Afghanistan of violating human rights and discrimination on the basis of gender,", added Fitrat.
The Taliban reject all criticism of their policies, especially those affecting women. They claim that their actions are in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law, AP notes.