UN Calls for Taliban to Lift Ban on Women at UN Sites
UN experts call for lifting Taliban's ban on women from UN sites in Afghanistan.
Why it matters: The ban complicates compliance with international human rights, challenging legal professionals working with Afghan partners.
- UN experts issued a press release on April 1, 2026, against the Taliban's ban.
- Since September 2025, Afghan women have been blocked from UN offices in Afghanistan.
- UN Security Council condemned these measures in Resolutions 2681 (2023) and 2816 (2026).
- UN Women faces a severe 50% funding shortfall, affecting operations in 2026.
On April 1, 2026, United Nations human rights experts condemned the Taliban's policy barring Afghan women from accessing UN facilities, labeling it a severe violation of international law. This action significantly disrupts humanitarian operations and infringes on women's rights as outlined by UN experts' condemnation statement.
Since September 2025, Afghan women, including employees, have been unable to enter UN premises in Afghanistan. UN Women Special Representative Susan Ferguson highlighted the ban's detrimental impact on vital community services.
The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2816 in 2026, following 2023's Resolution 2681, both decrying the Taliban's discriminatory policies and demanding their revocation. Despite these resolutions, the policies continue, impeding opportunities for Afghan women in education and work.
Simultaneously, UN Women is encountering a critical financial crisis, with a 50% funding gap affecting its ability to support women and girls effectively in 2026. This financial shortfall hampers the international community's collective efforts to tackle the issue, affecting legal and humanitarian collaborations globally.
By the numbers:
- 50% — UN Women's funding shortfall in 2026, impacting operations
- 2 — UN Security Council Resolutions condemning the Taliban's actions in 2023 and 2026