Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, says the Taliban group has institutionalized restrictions and repression against women in Afghanistan by issuing around 200 decrees and directives.

Türk said on Monday, the 20th of September, at a meeting about the situation of Afghan women in New York that he uses the term “gender apartheid” to describe the situation of women in Afghanistan.

He emphasized that sufficient attention has not been paid to the human rights situation in Afghanistan and the impact of restrictions on women and girls, and that human rights, especially women’s rights, must be at the center of the international community’s engagement with the Taliban group.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that engagement with the Taliban group should not be limited solely to the issue of migration, humanitarian aid, or the normalization of relations.

He also warned about the consequences of violating women’s rights and the possibility of similar patterns emerging in other countries.

After the Taliban’s return to power, widespread restrictions have been imposed on women’s education, work, and social participation. Women’s rights activists call this situation “gender apartheid” and demand its recognition within the framework of international law.