Faiq: Taliban exploiting humanitarian aid as a tool of oppression

Nasir Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan's acting representative to the United Nations, has criticized the Taliban for weaponizing humanitarian aid and escalating restrictions, particularly against women, labeling it as a blatant act of hostility towards the Afghan people.

On Monday, December 30, Faiq reacted to a recent directive from the Taliban's Ministry of Economy, which reinforced the ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He stated that such instrumentalization of humanitarian aid is a clear manifestation of enmity against the people of Afghanistan.

Marking two years since the initial prohibition on women’s work in NGOs by the Taliban’s leader, the Ministry of Economy issued a new letter yesterday, emphasizing the implementation of the ban. The Taliban warned that any organization failing to comply would face suspension or revocation of their license to operate.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Faiq pointed out that this directive comes at a time when Afghanistan remains isolated internationally due to the lack of a legitimate government and continues to suffer from political, economic, and social instability.

The initial ban on women’s employment in NGOs was issued in late December 2022. The Taliban’s recent reiteration of this policy underscores their continued suppression of women’s rights, drawing further international condemnation.