Afghanistan: Women's Rights and Aid Workers Under Taliban Rule

Published on 16.09.2023 by Time Canvas 360

Afghanistan finds itself in a time warp, where women are prohibited from working, and the nation's essential services, including healthcare and education, are in disarray. The country has come to a virtual standstill since the Taliban took control, heavily dependent on aid. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened.

The new rulers of Afghanistan have extended their ban on women working for foreign aid agencies. Furthermore, the Taliban has cracked down on aid workers, detaining 18 staffers, including a foreign national, accusing them of carrying out Christian missionary work.

The International Assistance Mission reports that 18 of its group members were taken away on two separate occasions from the central Ghor Province. This non-profit group, registered in Switzerland, emphasizes that its work is solely focused on Afghanistan.

The U.S. State Department is aware of reports regarding the detention of a U.S. citizen among these aid workers, although the American staffer has not been identified yet. Meanwhile, the State Department has issued a travel advisory, urging U.S. nationals not to travel to Afghanistan.

The International Assistance Mission has been operating in Afghanistan since 1966, originally specializing in eye care but later expanding into other areas of health and education. The images on your screen showcase the organization's work in Afghanistan.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have faced increasing scrutiny since the Taliban seized control of the country two years ago. The Taliban has introduced harsh measures, including banning Afghan women from education beyond the sixth grade and from public life and work, including employment with NGOs. Earlier this year, a U.S. watchdog reported instances of harassment of NGOs operating in the country.

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