Brussels, August 26, 2024 — The European Union has strongly condemned the recent decree issued by the Taliban, known as the “Law on Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” describing it as a grave violation of human rights, particularly against women in Afghanistan.
In a forceful statement, the EU expressed deep concern over the decree’s severe restrictions on the lives of Afghans, highlighting the imposition of strict dress codes that mandate women to cover their bodies and faces in public. The decree also imposes a ban on women’s voices being heard in public, effectively stripping Afghan women of their fundamental right to freedom of expression.
“The European Union is appalled by this latest decree, which confirms and extends the already severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the lives of Afghans, particularly women,” the EU said. “This decree not only violates Afghanistan’s legal obligations but also constitutes a serious blow to the rights of Afghan women and girls.”
The EU further criticized the expansion of powers granted to the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which now has the authority to enforce the decree. This shift from an advisory role to an enforcement mandate is seen as a direct violation of Afghan people’s right to due process and other international treaties to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
“The Taliban’s actions may amount to gender persecution, which is a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,” the statement continued. “We urge the Taliban to end these systemic abuses against Afghan women and girls immediately.”
The EU also warned that this decree creates additional barriers to the Taliban’s aspiration for international recognition and normalised relations. The international community, including the United Nations Security Council, has made it clear that recognition would require the Taliban to fully respect both their obligations towards Afghan citizens and the country’s international commitments.
“The European Union stands resolutely with the women and girls of Afghanistan and with all those threatened by the Taliban’s oppressive regime,” the statement concluded.
