UN ducks question of Afghan women
UN ducks question of Afghan women
UNITED NATIONS (Reuter): Security Council members expressed concern on Friday about events in Afghanistan but could not agree on criticism of the Taleban for discriminating against women when the radical Islamic group captured the Afghan capital last week.
Diplomats said Italy, backed by Russia, wanted the council to mention the Taleban's treatment of women in further destabilizing the country.
But they said China, Indonesia and Egypt objected, saying the Security Council should not deal with human rights issues.
Instead, current council president, Gerardo Martinez Blanco of Honduras, told reporters members were concerned about the events of Afghanistan and hoped all parties would renounce the use of force and "engage in constructive political dialogue to achieve national conciliation."
He said he was not authorized to comment on the debate over women, who have been ordered out of schools, universities and jobs.
The edict has hit hardest at Kabul's estimated 25,000 war widows, many of whom were employed in government jobs or involved in food-for-work programs run by the relief agencies, including those affiliated with the United Nations.
They are now left with virtually no means of support for themselves or their children, short of begging on the streets.
The Taleban say female doctors and nurses may resume their posts, but only if they wear burqas -- a flowing head-to-toe robe that masks the face -- and do not work alongside male colleagues.
They say they will not deny education to girls and women, but have made clear radical reforms must occur before they can go back to school or university.
From Geneva, the United Nations chief human rights official called on Taleban supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar on Friday to guarantee the right of Afghan women to work and the right of girls to education without discrimination.
Jose Ayala-Lasso, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement bluntly reminding the new Islamist rulers of Kabul's "legally binding obligations", made over the years, to protect human rights.
Ayala-Lasso said his message would be transmitted to Omar by U.N. special representative Norbert Hall, based in Islamabad.
"The High Commissioner invites the Taleban leadership to ensure respect for such rights as the right of women to work and the right of girls to education without discrimination, bearing in mind Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights instruments," it added.
Afghanistan signed the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in August 1980, but has never ratified the pact, Ayala-Lasso's office said.
However, Kabul has ratified other human rights accords protecting human rights, according to U.N. sources.