UN Chief calls for restraint, Malala “deeply worried about women”

On Aug 16, 2021

UN,UK: The UN called on the Taliban to exercise restraint Sunday, and particularly to protect the rights of women and girls, after the militants entered Kabul and cemented their grip on the country.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “urges the Taliban and all other parties to exercise utmost restraint in order to protect lives and ensure that humanitarian needs can be addressed,” said a UN statement.

He was “particularly concerned about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai said she is worried for the safety of women, minorities and human rights advocates in Afghanistan. The rights activist, who was shot in the head by Taliban terrorists in Pakistan for her campaign for the education of girls, urged global and regional powers to call for an immediate ceasefire and provide help to civilians.

“We watch in complete shock as the Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. I am deeply worried about women, minorities and human rights advocates. Global, regional and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect refugees and civilians,” tweeted Ms Yousafzai, now based in the UK. – NDTV