UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb 14, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on the Taliban to revoke their decision to ban Afghan women from working with the United Nations, said his spokesman.

The secretary-general strongly condemns the Taliban's decision to ban Afghan women from working with the United Nations in Afghanistan, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. "This is a violation of the inalienable fundamental human rights of women. It also violates Afghanistan's obligations under international human rights law, and infringes on the principle of nondiscrimination, which is a core tenet underpinning the United Nations Charter."

Female staff members are essential for the UN operations, including in the delivery of life-saving assistance. The enforcement of this decision will harm the Afghan people, millions of whom are in need of this assistance, said in an UN statement

Female staff members are essential for the UN operations, including in the delivery of life-saving assistance. The enforcement of this decision will harm the Afghan people, millions of whom are in need of this assistance, said the statement.

"The secretary-general calls on the Taliban to immediately revoke the decision and reverse all measures that restrict women's and girls' rights to work, education and freedom of movement," it said.

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UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi also condemned the Taliban's decision, said his spokeswoman, Paulina Kubiak.

"This step is a blatant violation of the human rights of women and undermines the work of the United Nations in Afghanistan, the people of which are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The consequences of this decision would harm the Afghan people, in particular, the most vulnerable segments of the population," said Kubiak.

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Korosi joined Guterres and others in calling on the Taliban to reconsider this decision and guarantee the fundamental rights of women, including the right to work and education. Afghanistan needs sustained development, and for that, it should mobilize the country's full potential, she said.