US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced visa restrictions for current and former members of the Taliban and others responsible or involved in the oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan “through restrictive policies and violence,” adding in a statement released on the occasion of the 10th anniversary International Day of the Girl: “A year ago, it was the only country in the world to systematically ban girls from school after the sixth grade,” and there is no date in sight for the Taliban to reverse the decision.
Since the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan and the restoration of power in Kabul by the Taliban on August 15, 2021, militants have prevented the country’s middle and high school students from returning to their schools. research, but under strict conditions.
In a statement, Blinken said: “We encourage other governments to join us in taking similar steps and continue to reaffirm the collective message that an Afghan government that can be considered legitimate represents all of its people and protects and promotes the human rights of every individual.”
“The United States strongly supports the Afghan people and remains committed to doing everything possible to protect and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, including women and girls,” he added.
Just weeks after coming to power, the Taliban imposed severe restrictions on women and girls in the country to keep them out of public life.
