UN Deputy Chief: defends Afghan women’s rights “within the framework of Islam”
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of Afghan women within the "framework of Islam," as Taliban restrictions on women’s education, work, and movement continue. In a post on January 6, she stated, “The rights of women and girls in Afghanistan remain under constant attack. My commitment is firmly grounded in Islam.”
Since regaining power, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women, justifying them under Islamic law. In 2023, the group reportedly flogged 583 people, including 42 women, in public.
Mohammed’s comments have drawn mixed reactions. Some see her approach as pragmatic, while others argue human rights should transcend religion. Critics warn against conflating Islamic principles with the Taliban’s extremist interpretations, which risk legitimizing their actions.
The UN faces the challenge of advocating for Afghan women while ensuring universal human rights standards remain uncompromised.
