Episode Details

UN Human Rights Chief Criticizes Afghanistans Taliban Decree: Expands Punishments, Threatens Freedoms

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, has denounced a new decree from Afghanistans Taliban leadership, which broadens punishments for crimes and introduces corporal penalties, including in homes. This move, signed by supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, further erodes freedoms and violates international laws.

The decree builds on existing restrictions imposed by the Taliban since taking power in 2021, such as limiting womens travel, blocking girls from secondary education, and curbing jobs and expression through so-called morality rules. Turk emphasized that the decree legitimizes violence against women and children while criminalizing criticism of the leadership, threatening free speech and assembly.

Turk urged the Taliban to scrap the decree, halt executions, and ban corporal punishment, describing the overall system as gender apartheid. He also raised concerns over rising civilian deaths in border clashes with Pakistan, including thirteen killed in recent airstrikes that Kabul condemned as sovereignty violations.

With tensions high on multiple fronts, Turk stressed the urgent need for political talks to protect civilians and reverse these harsh policies.

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