US Ambassador to the UN Denounces Gender Persecution Against Afghan Women and Girls

As we sit here today, Afghan women and girls are experiencing renewed gender persecution, including gender and sexual-based violence. The Taliban has issued more than 80 archaic edicts: Curtailing freedom of speech. Barring girls over the age of 12 from pursuing an education. Implementing so-called “morality laws” that effectively erase women from public life.

This institutional oppression is an attack on human rights and a threat to Afghanistan’s security, stability, and economy. And those who raise their voice in protest risk harassment, detention, and violence.