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Taliban's new marriage separation decree draws UN criticism
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Culture & Society

Taliban's new marriage separation decree draws UN criticism

From Dawn · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The UN criticized a new Taliban decree on marital separation in Afghanistan, stating it "reinforces systemic discrimination" against women.
  • The 31-article code, published in mid-May, outlines grounds for separation and suggests child marriage may be permitted, with procedures often more complex for women.
  • This decree is seen by the UN as part of a broader erosion of women's rights since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The international community, particularly the United Nations, has once again voiced strong criticism regarding the Taliban's latest decree on marital separation in Afghanistan. Published in the Official Gazette in mid-May, this 31-article code, approved by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, purportedly sets grounds for divorce but, according to UN officials, significantly undermines the rights of Afghan women and girls.

reinforces systemic discrimination

— United NationsDescribing the Taliban's new decree on marital separation.

Georgette Gagnon, deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, stated that the decree "reinforces systemic discrimination" and is part of a "broader and deeply concerning trajectory" of eroding women's rights. The UN's Afghanistan mission (UNAMA) highlighted specific concerns, including the decree's implications for child marriage, as outlined in Article 5, and the generally more complicated separation procedures for women compared to men.

is part of a broader and deeply concerning trajectory in which the rights of Afghan women and girls are being eroded

— Georgette GagnonDeputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, commenting on the decree.

This development is particularly alarming given the Taliban's track record since returning to power in 2021. Numerous restrictions have been imposed on women and girls, including bans on secondary education, public spaces like parks and gyms, and limitations on employment. The UN's observation that subsequent legislation has eroded protections previously recognized, such as women's consent to marriage, paints a grim picture of the current situation.

further entrenches systemic discrimination in law and practice

— United NationsStatement on the impact of the decree on Afghan women and girls.

From our perspective, this decree is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a policy that systematically denies Afghan women autonomy, opportunities, and access to justice. While the Taliban government may frame these measures as being in line with certain interpretations of tradition or law, the international outcry, led by the UN, underscores the profound human rights concerns and the potential for further marginalization of women in Afghanistan.

women and girls are denied autonomy, opportunities and access to justice

— United NationsDescribing the consequences of the Taliban's policies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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