Guterres calls for immediate lifting of restrictions after one year of ban on women working at UN offices in Afghanistan

A year after the ban on women working and being present at UN offices in Afghanistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has once again called for the immediate lifting of these restrictions.

In a message marking the first anniversary of the ban, Guterres said that the continued restrictions against Afghan women and girls are contrary to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international obligations.

He stressed that the exclusion of women from work not only violates their fundamental rights, but also challenges the humanitarian assistance process, economic development and stability of Afghanistan.

According to the UN Secretary-General, the presence of female staff is essential for effective access to women and girls in need, especially given the social and cultural conditions of Afghanistan, and it will be difficult to provide humanitarian services without the participation of women.

UN Women has also expressed concern that the situation will continue, saying that restrictions on the activities of female staff make it difficult or, in some cases, impossible for many Afghan women and girls to access essential aid and services.

The organization called the ban on women working in UN offices in Afghanistan an unprecedented move in the organization’s history and called for its immediate lifting and the creation of safe and free access for women in UN facilities across Afghanistan.

On September 7, 2025, the Taliban banned women from working in UN offices in Afghanistan; a decision that was met with widespread reactions from international organizations and human rights defenders.

Now the UN is warning that the continuation of these restrictions will not only affect women, but could also hinder the access of millions of Afghan citizens in need to vital aid and services.

Report: Shahbano Noori