UN tells Afghan rulers: no peace and prosperity until they reverse bans on women and girls

The U.N. Security Council told Afghanistan's Taliban rulers Monday that peace and prosperity are "unattainable" until they reverse their bans on women and girls getting an education, being employed and speaking in public.

- AGENCIES

The U.N.'s most powerful body also condemned ongoing terrorist activity in Afghanistan "in the strongest terms" and called for strengthened efforts to address the country's dire economic and humanitarian situation.

The council resolution, adopted unanimously by its 15 members, extended the U.N.'s political mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, until 17 March, 2026.

The Taliban seized power in 2021 as the USA and NATO forces withdrew following two decades of war. No country officially recognizes them as Afghanistan's government because of their crackdown on women.

Not only are women barred from working, from many public spaces, and being educated beyond the sixth grade, but they must be fully veiled and their voices cannot be heard in public.