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UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality, has criticised the Taliban&rsquo;s decision to drop the Ministry for Women from among the institutions of government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>
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&ldquo;I am disappointed by the apparent decision to no longer include a Ministry for Women among the institutions of government. Such ministries are found around the world and reflect governments&rsquo; commitment to ensure respect for women&rsquo;s human rights. To no longer have such a ministry in Afghanistan is a further step backwards,&rdquo; Pramila Patten, the acting head of UN Women, said in a statement.</p>
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&ldquo;I reaffirm my call on the Taliban leadership to fully comply with its legally binding obligations under international treaties to which Afghanistan is party as well as with relevant constitutional provisions,&rdquo; Patten said.</p>
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<strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/pakistan-s-isi-strings-a-new-taliban-led-government-in-afghanistan-113223.html">Pakistan&rsquo;s ISI strings a new Taliban-led government in Afghanistan</a></p>
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These demand unambiguously the guarantee of equality for all citizens, including the full participation of women in political and decision-making processes. The international community has been clear and will continue to be so: women&rsquo;s rights, including the right to full and meaningful participation in public and political life, are non-optional, non-negotiable human rights, the statement adds.</p>
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&ldquo;The world&rsquo;s gaze rests firmly upon Afghanistan. The course currently set by the Taliban authorities for women&rsquo;s human rights must change immediately if the growing fears of the international community are to be addressed and the future of women and girls assured,&rdquo; Patten said.</p>
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Taliban leaders have stated that women will play a prominent role in society in Afghanistan and have access to education. But they have not been involved in talks over forming a government. In recent weeks, the Taliban has signaled women should stay at home, and, in some instances, militants have ordered women to leave their workplaces.</p>
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There was no mention of a ministry for women in Tuesday&#39;s announcement, and the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Muhajid merely said that the Taliban would be dealing with that issue.</p>
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Patten also expressed &ldquo;serious concern&rdquo; over the use of force by authorities in Kabul against peaceful protestors, mostly women, who were demanding the equal enjoyment of their rights.</p>
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In response to questions about the Taliban&#39;s crackdown on protesters, Zabihullah said that illegal demonstrations would not be allowed.</p>
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