In reaction to Taliban limitations on women’s employment and education in Afghanistan, the United States Secretary of State announced new visa restrictions against the Taliban.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
“I am taking action today to impose additional visa restrictions on certain current or former Taliban members, members of non-state security groups, and other individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, repressing women and girls in Afghanistan,” Blinken said in a statement.
One of the oppressive measures, according to Blinken, was “the Taliban’s decision to ban women from universities and from working with NGOs.”
Since retaking power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have banned women from working in public sectors, attending secondary and higher education institutions, and even visiting public parks.
Several NGOs ceased operations at the end of December after being ordered to stop working with Afghan women.
It will be “clear to the Taliban that their actions will carry significant costs and close the path to improved relations with the international community,” Blinken said, adding that the United States will continue working with its allies to send that message.
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