The Taliban’s draconian decision to restrict medical education for women will put thousands of lives at risk: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Colleagues, as many before me have already highlighted, the Taliban's latest announcement to restrict medical education for women is yet another appalling violation of Afghan women's rights.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns this decision. Such a draconian and shortsighted policy will severely undermine the provision of healthcare to Afghan women and children, putting thousands of lives at risk.

It is yet another tragic setback, further adding to the suffering of Afghan women.

Meanwhile, a year since the publication of the Special Coordinator's independent assessment, the implementation of its recommendations has been stalled.

We call for the swift appointment of a UN Special Envoy, as mandated in resolution 2721, to help bring Afghan stakeholders and the international community together in meaningful dialogue.

Alongside our international partners, the United Kingdom has engaged constructively with the UN-led process, including the establishment of working groups on counternarcotics and the private sector.

But engagement on the Taliban's priorities requires reciprocity on their part. The Taliban must demonstrate meaningful progress towards Afghanistan's international obligations on human rights, political inclusion, and counter terrorism.

Finally, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation as highlighted by USG Fletcher today. The United Kingdom will continue to support the people of Afghanistan through distribution of over $200 million in aid this financial year.

With the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan less than 40% funded, we call on the international community to do everything possible to support vulnerable Afghans, particularly in these winter months.