The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has called upon the Taliban leadership to adhere to international human rights standards as a means to ensure the welfare and progress of future generations.
This request comes amid growing concerns regarding a reported halt in medical education and training for girls and women in the country.
Despite these alarming reports, officials have not confirmed the suspension nor provided a response, although claims suggest that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered educational institutions to cease offering medical courses for females.

In a statement, the U.N. mission highlighted that this year’s International Human Rights Day focuses on how rights empower individuals to forge a brighter future.
Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the mission, remarked, “Unfortunately, we observe the opposite happening in Afghanistan.” She noted that there is a dangerous decline in human rights protections, particularly for women and girls who are most impacted by these setbacks.

The mission pointed out a concerning pattern of systematic discrimination against women and girls, who find themselves excluded from significant spheres of everyday and public life such as education and employment.
Fiona Frazer, the representative of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan, stated, “If Afghan citizens, especially women and girls, continue to be deprived of their rights, it signifies a blatant and deliberate failure to protect and ensure the welfare of all residents in Afghanistan.”

The Taliban government routinely dismisses criticisms of their practices as unwarranted interference or inconsistent with the realities on the ground.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the government’s chief spokesperson, asserted on Tuesday that evidence of respecting human rights can be seen in the decrease in casualties throughout the country.
Without addressing the U.N. statements directly, Mujahid claimed that the judicial and other state institutions serve all Afghans in resolving disputes and hardships.
He emphasized that many rights lost during the war are being restored, portraying this in a positive light during his remarks on state-run media RTA.

In an audio message shared on X, Mujahid articulated that human rights should be viewed through the lens of Islam as well as Afghan cultural and spiritual beliefs.
He expressed that it is unjustifiable for one nation to impose its customs and perspectives on another, affirming, “We possess our religion, beliefs, and culture.” He further stated that it is within their purview to define their rights and obligations regarding these rights.

Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani recently stated that while the government is responsible for executing divine will in Afghanistan, Islam should not be represented in a manner that alienates dissenting voices from the authorities.
He was addressing a gathering at a madrassa in Kabul, and his comments seemed to reflect a more accommodating and pragmatic approach.
Despite leading a powerful faction associated with some of the most devastating attacks against the previous Afghan government supported by the West, Haqqani has in recent years made speeches acknowledging the struggles faced by the Afghan population and expressing his discontent with the Taliban’s current governing style and decision-making processes.

Haqqani cautioned against narrow-mindedness in governance in an audio clip released by the Interior Ministry.
He did not specify anyone in particular but noted, “We should not assume that chaos will ensue if people do not adhere to our views.” He added that governmental engagement with the public is hampered by its inability to address their queries, presenting a challenge to the structure of Taliban governance.
Furthermore, Haqqani remains a wanted man in the U.S., facing a bounty of up to $10 million due to his involvement in an attack that killed an American citizen, among other violent incidents.