US officials condemn Taliban edicts restricting Afghan women's rights and education
December 31, 2024 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on December 31, 2024, to assess the implications of the State Department's withdrawal from Afghanistan, with a focus on the ongoing crisis faced by Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the committee, highlighting the severe consequences of the Taliban's takeover since the fall of Kabul in 2021.
Blinken emphasized the tragic impact on Afghan women, noting that many who held significant positions and jobs are now barred from working. He pointed out that girls who once attended school are now unable to pursue their education. The Secretary expressed his shock at the lack of protections for women and girls in the Trump-era Doha agreement, which facilitated the U.S. withdrawal. He reported that the Taliban has issued over 100 edicts restricting women's rights, including their ability to work, attend school, and access healthcare.
The committee raised concerns about the Taliban's recent decision to suspend medical education for women, warning that this could lead to a healthcare crisis for Afghan women. Blinken assured the committee that the U.S. has been actively working to support and empower Afghan women and girls, including implementing mechanisms to ensure their voices are included in policy discussions. He mentioned that the U.S. has sanctioned numerous Taliban members in response to their oppressive actions.
In a related discussion, Representative Maria Salazar highlighted the broader ramifications of the withdrawal, noting its impact on global perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to authoritarian regimes. She questioned Blinken about potential actions regarding oil contracts with companies operating in Venezuela, indicating that the fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal extends beyond the immediate region.
The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women and the U.S. government's commitment to addressing these issues while navigating complex international relations. The discussions reflect a critical moment in U.S. foreign policy as it seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with geopolitical strategies.
Blinken emphasized the tragic impact on Afghan women, noting that many who held significant positions and jobs are now barred from working. He pointed out that girls who once attended school are now unable to pursue their education. The Secretary expressed his shock at the lack of protections for women and girls in the Trump-era Doha agreement, which facilitated the U.S. withdrawal. He reported that the Taliban has issued over 100 edicts restricting women's rights, including their ability to work, attend school, and access healthcare.
The committee raised concerns about the Taliban's recent decision to suspend medical education for women, warning that this could lead to a healthcare crisis for Afghan women. Blinken assured the committee that the U.S. has been actively working to support and empower Afghan women and girls, including implementing mechanisms to ensure their voices are included in policy discussions. He mentioned that the U.S. has sanctioned numerous Taliban members in response to their oppressive actions.
In a related discussion, Representative Maria Salazar highlighted the broader ramifications of the withdrawal, noting its impact on global perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to authoritarian regimes. She questioned Blinken about potential actions regarding oil contracts with companies operating in Venezuela, indicating that the fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal extends beyond the immediate region.
The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women and the U.S. government's commitment to addressing these issues while navigating complex international relations. The discussions reflect a critical moment in U.S. foreign policy as it seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with geopolitical strategies.
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