The Taliban's newly signed 90-page criminal code in Afghanistan has raised global concerns over women's rights, as it is perceived as paving the way for their oppression.
Recent international worry has surged over the condition of women in Afghanistan following the Taliban's introduction of a new 90-page criminal code. This decree, signed by the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has been condemned for allegedly institutionalizing women's slavery, recalling stipulations from ancient Islamic texts. The law's implications suggest that it would reinforce existing gender inequalities, placing women in more subservient positions within Afghan society.
Key components of the criminal code include exemptions for religious leaders in criminal cases, thus effectively granting them immunity. Conversely, harsher penalties are indicated for the lower economic classes, potentially leading to increased systemic oppression. This imbalance in legal enforcement especially targets women, raising alarm over their rights and safety, as the regulations are expected to diminish their status to that of slaves or property.
Moreover, the code shockingly empowers men with the right to physically discipline their wives and children, highlighting a regressive view of gender roles within Afghan households. Such legal provisions not only threaten the welfare of women and children but also echo broader concerns regarding human rights in Taliban-governed Afghanistan, drawing increasing scrutiny and condemnation from international observers and human rights organizations.
