Taliban must uphold rights of girls and women in Afghanistan, EU says

Human rights violations against women, girls and minorities on rise, says foreign policy chief

This combination of photos shows women posing for portraits in different cities in Afghanistan. Since their takeover two years ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear. All photos by AFP

TOLOnews TV anchor Tahmina Usmani, 23, is one of a handful of female journalists who have been able to continue working in the sector. 'I was able to join TOLOnews and be the voice for women in Afghanistan, which makes me feel great,' she says.

TV journalist and university student Farkhunda Muhibi, 21. Muhibi is one of a small number of female journalists who have been able to continue working under the Taliban regime.

Baker Shapari, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. 'During these hard times, it is my job that has made me happy,' she says. 'My husband is jobless, and staying at home. I am able to find food for my children.'

Businesswoman and beekeeper Ghuncha Gul Karimi, 35, poses for a portrait in Herat. Karimi expanded her beekeeping business to produce honey for sale after her husband left the country. 'I've taken up two extra jobs and bought a motorcycle to drive myself from the honey farm and back,' she says. 'I am determined to become the queen of honey bees.'

Artist and art teacher Manezha Sultani, 24, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the Taliban took over, I had no fear - I used to attend exhibitions, go to events and see everything I desired. But when the takeover happened, I was afraid of how it would impact my job and my rights,' she says. 'I have not had any good experiences since the Taliban took over.'

Mathematics and robotics teacher Sumaya Sultani, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat. 'Before the collapse, I participated in international technology events, and I used to work late nights on various projects and coach the Afghan girls’ robotics team. But after the Taliban takeover, everything we worked for and achieved turned to dust.'

Doctor and mental health counsellor Mursal, 35, poses for a portrait at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. Since their takeover a year ago, the Taliban have squeezed Afghan women out of public life, imposing suffocating restrictions on where they can work, how they can travel and what they can wear.

Silk weaver Maryam Osmani, 50, poses for a portrait in Herat.

Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Nargis Hashimi, 27, poses for a portrait in Herat.

Radio journalist and artist Rozina Sherzad, 19, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.

Taekwondo athlete Zarghunna Noori, 23, poses for a portrait in Herat.

Student Mahtab Jamshidi, 17, poses for a portrait in Herat.

Seamstress Rozia Khpalwak, 23, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.

Shampoo factory worker Robina, 40, poses for a portrait in Kandahar. There is hardly a woman in the country who has not lost a male relative in successive wars, while many of their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers have also lost their jobs or seen their income shattered as a result of a deepening economic crisis.

The deputy director of the women’s bazaar in Herat, Freshta Ishaqzai, 32.

Shaima Wafa, 40, a cultural affairs reporter for an Iranian media outlet, poses for a portrait in Herat.

Knitter and garment maker Gul Guti, 55, poses for a portrait in Kandahar.

The EU has urged the Taliban to reverse “unacceptable behaviours” and uphold the rights of women, girls and minorities, a year after their takeover of Afghanistan.

Many Afghans say they feel safer than when the Taliban was fighting against US-led forces and their Afghan allies.

But 12 months since the US withdrawal poverty is widespread, exacerbated by drought and an economy that is suffering because foreign governments' refuse to recognise the country's rulers.

Hopes that women will play any part in deciding the country's future are fading.

Development aid upon which the country relied so heavily has been cut as the international community demands that the Taliban respect the rights of Afghans, particularly girls and women whose access to work and education has been curtailed.

“One year after the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan, the humanitarian situation has worsened, and widespread human rights violations are rising, in particular against women, girls and minorities,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted.

“I call on those de facto holding power in Kabul to reverse these unacceptable decisions and behaviours.”

About 25 million Afghans are now living in poverty, well over half the population. The UN estimates that up to 900,000 jobs could be lost this year as the economy stalls.

Civil society and independent media have also shrunk, with many journalists leaving the country.

The UN mission to Afghanistan said in a recent review the group was limiting dissent by arresting journalists, activists and protesters.