Taliban's Treatment of Women

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has reportedly imprisoned women, citing concerns for their safety and protection from gender-based violence, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan revealed that women without male relatives or those whose male relatives were deemed a threat were among those sent to prison. The motives behind these actions were not explicitly linked to court referrals.

The report expressed concern that confining women in prison for protection, outside the scope of criminal law enforcement, amounted to an arbitrary deprivation of liberty. It highlighted potential negative impacts on mental and physical health, revictimization, and the risk of discrimination upon release.

Covering legal and judicial responses from August 2021 to March 2023, the report shed light on the Taliban’s handling of gender-based violence complaints, including murders, honor killings, and rapes. The lack of a clear and coherent justice framework was emphasized, hindering the reporting and resolution of gender-based violence cases.

While the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the U.N. of its dedication to safeguarding lives and property based on Sharia law, concerns persist about the lack of foundation for many directives regarding women and girls.

Chief Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid pledged to investigate the U.N. report, denying awareness of imprisoning individuals without a crime being committed. The situation underscores the challenging circumstances faced by Afghan women, with limited educational opportunities and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence.

_{Repurposed article originally published in CBS News}