The United Nations has issued a stern demand for the Taliban to rescind a recently enacted penal code in Afghanistan that legalizes violence against women. Voiced by Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, this call emphasizes the urgent need for the Taliban to uphold their international obligations relating to human rights. Türk stressed that the current legal framework permits extreme discrimination and oppression, which he categorized as a form of gender apartheid, a serious crime against humanity that requires immediate action and scrutiny from the international community.

Türk's statements come amid ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of women in Afghanistan, following the Taliban's return to power. The UN High Commissioner highlighted the dire consequences of the recently enacted code, warning that it threatens the lives of millions of Afghan women and girls. The international body is seeking ways to exert pressure on the Taliban government to reverse their exclusionary practices and promote gender equality as set forth in international laws.

In his remarks, Türk also pointed out the necessity of reviewing international aid cutbacks that are currently impacting millions in Afghanistan. He underscored that without a collective effort to address the situation, the hardships endured by Afghan women and girls will likely intensify, calling for an end to this damaging cycle of discrimination. The implications of this demand from the UN are profound, as it not only seeks to protect the rights of Afghan women but also calls for accountability on a global scale regarding human rights violations in Afghanistan.