The United Nations’ political chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, concluded her Afghanistan tour on Sunday, bringing attention to the perilous state of women’s rights in the Taliban-controlled nation. Her Kabul itinerary included candid exchanges with de facto authorities, diplomats, women’s groups, civil society, and female UN personnel braving restrictions.
Directly confronting Taliban leaders, DiCarlo raised alarms about bans targeting female UN staff and broader limitations stifling women’s access to schools, workplaces, and public spaces. She demanded urgent lifts on these measures, framing them as obstacles to stability and development.
Encouraging deeper involvement in Doha talks, she advocated for Afghanistan’s return to international legitimacy through met commitments. Officials signaled willingness to sustain dialogue, offering a sliver of hope.
Aid logistics took center stage too. DiCarlo advocated seamless border crossings for humanitarian supplies, seeking assurances from authorities to avert worsening famine and hardship.
In heartfelt sessions with Afghan women and activists, she addressed the human rights freefall post-2021 takeover. UN’s female Afghan employees received special commendation for their frontline efforts despite perils.
The post-Taliban era has been catastrophic for women: ousted from civil service, sidelined in aid organizations bar health sectors, travel shackled to male escorts, attire policed rigorously. Public venues from amusement parks to salons remain off-limits, media presence dwindled. DiCarlo’s mission amplifies global pressure, signaling that isolation persists until reforms materialize.