The United Nations Security Council is preparing to vote tomorrow, Thursday, on a draft resolution condemning the ban on Afghan women's work in the international organization in Afghanistan, and calling for the Taliban administration to "quickly reverse" its repressive campaign against the rights of women and girls. Diplomats noted that "the Security Council is expected to vote in favor of the draft resolution. At least nine countries must agree for the resolution to be adopted, provided that Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, or France do not use their veto power."
For its part, the Taliban has affirmed its respect for women's rights, in accordance with its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Officials stated that "decisions regarding aid workers are an internal matter." The draft resolution calls on all parties to allow for the complete, rapid, safe, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. It also acknowledges the need for assistance in facing the significant challenges facing the Afghan economy. The draft resolution emphasizes the "great importance" of the continued presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan.
The United States has frozen billions of dollars of Afghan central bank reserves, and has diverted half of the funds to a trust fund in Switzerland overseen by American, Swiss, and Afghan trustees. The draft resolution further underscores the "great importance" of the continued presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan.
