Date: May 2, 2023

In his letter, Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledges the concerns raised by Afghan women regarding the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. He condemns the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s higher education and employment, including at NGOs and the UN, as violations of human rights with serious humanitarian consequences. Guterres highlights the United Nations’ commitment to support the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan, especially in advocating for the reversal of policies restricting women’s rights. He reiterates the UN’s solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and underscores the importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in society.