Enlarge image
After the study ban, the ban on women in non-governmental organizations is the second deep curtailment of women's rights in Afghanistan in a short period of time
Photo: EPA
Three foreign aid organizations are temporarily ceasing their activities in Afghanistan because of the radical Islamic Taliban's ban on women working in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
"Until we have clarity about this announcement, we are suspending our programs," said a joint statement from Save the Children, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Care on Sunday.
Politicians around the world had previously sharply criticized the further deep cuts in women's rights imposed by the Taliban on Saturday - among them Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her American counterpart Anthony Blinken.
Baerbock announced on Twitter that "we will not accept that the Taliban make humanitarian aid a pawn in their misogyny."
»Those who exclude women and girls from work, education and public life not only ruin their country.
Gender-based persecution can also be a crime against humanity,” the statement said.
Baerbock announced that the federal government would advocate a "clear reaction" from the international community.
The ban on women working in non-governmental organizations is, after the ban on studying, the second deep curtailment of women's rights in Afghanistan in a short period of time.
The ban should probably also apply to foreign employees of aid organizations.
late/Reuters