The ban on women working could be the unravelling of Afghanistan and its Taliban chief

The decision on April 4 to stop Afghan women from working in NGO’s including United Nations (UN) offices across the country has generated sharp reactions and condemnation from across the world.  In a statement, the UN’s representative in Afghanistan has rejected the new measure calling it one that violates international law as well as the UN charter, and stated that the ban is not acceptable to the organization. 

All the staff at the UN mission in the country have been directed not to report for duty until further orders. The organization has warned it will be forced to take the ultimate decision of suspending all operations and leave the country. 

In response, the Taliban government has said that the decision to not let women work is Afghanistan’s ‘internal matter,’ -- a statement that turns the entire concept of international law and fundamental human rights on its head.

The decision is also against the will of the broad majority of the Afghan population, and even within the Taliban hierarchy it was hotly contested and opposed by powerful groups. The chief, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has so far prevailed.

The Taliban government has said that the decision to not let women work is Afghanistan’s ‘internal matter,’ -- a statement that turns the entire concept of international law and fundamental human rights on its head.

Rustam Shah

If the UN leaves the country that needs critical support for the survival of more than half of its population of over 30 million, it will be an unprecedented step with grave implications for the country and its people. Many international NGOs will follow the UN’s lead and leave the country. The country’s image as a member of the international community will be over. Its isolation will be complete. And the misery of its people will be boundless, with the awful possibility of civil strife leading to bloody clashes and an environment conducive to the return of the hated warlords.

In such circumstances, the Taliban’s belief that the ban is the country’s own matter will not find acceptance within the country. The crisis also threatens to cause a total split in the ranks of the leadership. That will be the point of no return and an appalling de-stabilization of the state and its institutions will follow. 

Due to this, Haibatullah Akhundzada may become an isolated and lonely figure in the Taliban movement. But before that, grave and irreparable damage will have been caused. It is incumbent now for regional countries, mainly Pakistan, to exert pressure on the leadership to change course to save the country. Had there been a visionary leader in Pakistan, he/ she would have intervened vigorously by now. Sadly, current leaders in Islamabad are too preoccupied with their own unending quarrels. 

There are many leaders within the Taliban movement who are opposed to the new measures although they may not be aware of the serious consequences the potential departure of the UN could cause. These leaders need to be encouraged to warn their chief of the gravity of the situation. And the Taliban chief should be engaged in a dialogue on the issue by a group of concerned countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, the UAE and Qatar. Any serious and sustainable endeavors between such allies will have a profound impact on the thinking within the movement. The idea and the goal should be to prevent a complete rupture of Afghanistan’s relations with the UN and the world.

Less than 400 Afghan women are currently employed by the UN. But it is not the strength of the numbers that is causing worries. It is the principle and precedent of a government imposing an order on a world body about who it may or may not employ.

The UN will not compromise on this openly. One way out can be found in incorporating the policy of the ruling Taliban within the framework of the UN charter. This is not easy, but it should not be abandoned as unworkable. Because as stated above, any such efforts will reactivate those who are opposed to the women’s ban within the Taliban movement, and truth be told, their number is overwhelming.

 - Rustam Shah Mohmand is a specialist of Afghanistan and Central Asian Affairs. He has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan and also held position of Chief Commissioner Refugees for a decade.