According to a report by the United Nations, the Taliban is detaining women in order to protect them from violence based on their gender.
According to a recent report from the United Nations, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has imprisoned certain women in order to safeguard them from gender-based violence. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan was informed by Taliban officials that women without male guardians or whose male relatives pose a danger to them have been detained. It is uncertain if these directives were issued by the court.
According to the report, certain [Taliban] leaders have mentioned that if they are worried about a survivor’s safety, she will be sent to the women’s prison for protection. This is similar to how prisons in Kabul have been used to house drug addicts and homeless individuals.
According to the U.N. mission, detaining women in prison without following criminal law and solely for their own protection against gender-based violence would constitute an unjust restriction of their freedom. This practice could also potentially harm their mental and physical well-being, subject them to further victimization, and leave them vulnerable to discrimination and stigma after release.
Murders committed in the name of honor and sexual assaults.
Sahar Wahedi, a CEO of a tech startup and activist for women’s rights, informed CBS News that the report exposed a concerning lack of a well-defined and consistent system for justice in Afghanistan. This has greatly impeded efforts to report and address acts of violence based on gender. Wahedi explained that the uncertainty surrounding the Taliban’s mention of “Sharia law” adds further pressure on women, making it risky to come forward and report incidents due to the uncertain consequences and potential consequences.
For over two years now, the Taliban have been in charge of Afghanistan and have implemented harsh policies that restrict the rights of women and girls. These policies prevent them from attending schools, universities, and pursuing certain careers.
Females are barred from continuing their education after sixth grade and are also restricted from traveling without male escorts. The Taliban’s reclaiming of authority in 2021 has resulted in stricter control over freedom of speech and limited job options for Afghan women, leading to their confinement at home and increased risk of gender-based abuse, according to UNAMA.
According to the report, in the 20 years following the 2001 U.S-led intervention, shelters for at-risk women and children were established in different provinces of the country by non-governmental organizations. However, these shelters have now been closed due to the Taliban’s belief that they represent Western values.
According to the chief spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, there have been no reports or incidents of individuals being detained in Afghanistan without committing a crime. He also stated that he will look into the report released by the United Nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban, the current government in power, informed the United Nations that they are committed to protecting the well-being and possessions of all individuals.
The ministry informed the United Nations that cases are managed according to Sharia law and that women are not subject to any unjust treatment. Cases with serious consequences will not be resolved through mediation but instead will be brought to court.
Unfortunately, several of the Taliban’s rules concerning women and girls in Afghanistan do not align with Sharia Law.
Source: cbsnews.com