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.