New York

24 December 2022

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Afghanistan

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the reported order of the de facto Taliban authorities banning women from working for national and international non-governmental organizations. 

This decision will undermine the work of numerous organizations working across the country helping those most vulnerable, especially women and girls. 

The United Nations and its partners, including national and international non-governmental organizations, are helping more than 28 million Afghans who depend on humanitarian aid to survive. The effective delivery of humanitarian assistance requires full, safe and unhindered access for all aid workers, including women. The reported ban on women working with the international community to save lives and livelihoods in Afghanistan will cause further untold hardship on the people of Afghanistan.   

The Secretary-General reiterates the rights of all women to participate in the workforce thus contributing to the greater good.