UN ducks question of Afghan women<\/p>\n
UNITED NATIONS (Reuter): Security Council members expressed
\nconcern on Friday about events in Afghanistan but could not agree
\non criticism of the Taleban for discriminating against women when
\nthe radical Islamic group captured the Afghan capital last week.<\/p>\n
Diplomats said Italy, backed by Russia, wanted the council to
\nmention the Taleban's treatment of women in further destabilizing
\nthe country.<\/p>\n
But they said China, Indonesia and Egypt objected, saying the
\nSecurity Council should not deal with human rights issues.<\/p>\n
Instead, current council president, Gerardo Martinez Blanco of
\nHonduras, told reporters members were concerned about the events
\nof Afghanistan and hoped all parties would renounce the use of
\nforce and \"engage in constructive political dialogue to achieve
\nnational conciliation.\"<\/p>\n
He said he was not authorized to comment on the debate over
\nwomen, who have been ordered out of schools, universities and
\njobs.<\/p>\n
The edict has hit hardest at Kabul's estimated 25,000 war
\nwidows, many of whom were employed in government jobs or involved
\nin food-for-work programs run by the relief agencies, including
\nthose affiliated with the United Nations.<\/p>\n
They are now left with virtually no means of support for
\nthemselves or their children, short of begging on the streets.<\/p>\n
The Taleban say female doctors and nurses may resume their
\nposts, but only if they wear burqas -- a flowing head-to-toe robe
\nthat masks the face -- and do not work alongside male colleagues.<\/p>\n
They say they will not deny education to girls and women, but
\nhave made clear radical reforms must occur before they can go
\nback to school or university.<\/p>\n
From Geneva, the United Nations chief human rights official
\ncalled on Taleban supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar on Friday
\nto guarantee the right of Afghan women to work and the right of
\ngirls to education without discrimination.<\/p>\n
Jose Ayala-Lasso, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights,
\nissued a statement bluntly reminding the new Islamist rulers of
\nKabul's \"legally binding obligations\", made over the years, to
\nprotect human rights.<\/p>\n
Ayala-Lasso said his message would be transmitted to Omar by
\nU.N. special representative Norbert Hall, based in Islamabad.<\/p>\n
\"The High Commissioner invites the Taleban leadership to
\nensure respect for such rights as the right of women to work and
\nthe right of girls to education without discrimination, bearing
\nin mind Afghanistan's obligations under international human
\nrights instruments,\" it added.<\/p>\n
Afghanistan signed the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of
\nAll Forms of Discrimination against Women in August 1980, but has
\nnever ratified the pact, Ayala-Lasso's office said.<\/p>\n
However, Kabul has ratified other human rights accords
\nprotecting human rights, according to U.N. sources.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/un-ducks-question-of-afghan-women-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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