The immediate inclusion of women in the governance structure of the new leadership in Afghanistan will be the ultimate litmus test for the Taliban, stressed Ms. Patten.

¨I take note of the public commitments made by the Taliban´s spokesperson to uphold women’s rights within the framework of Islam, including their right to work, to pursue higher education and to have an active role in society, as well as the right of girls to attend school,¨ she stated. The full and complete development of Afghanistan and the cause of peace require the equal and meaningful participation of women in all fields including public and political life, she stressed.

Women´s full participation is essential not only for their empowerment but also for the advancement of society as a whole, and the Taliban leadership must take bold steps to fully include women in decision-making at all levels, both nationally and internationally, so that they may continue to make their contribution to the goals of equality, development and peace.

I call on the international community to sustain its attention and action to ensure women’s rights are non-negotiable,’ added Ms. Patten.

The Taliban, which regained power in Afghanistan after the end of the US and NATO occupation, strongly believes that the United States now has a moral obligation to help rebuild the country after destruction.

pgh/Pll/oda / ifb