UNSC votes today on resolution against curbs on women

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to meet today (Thursday) on restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan, says a media report.

The powerful UN body will vote on a resolution urging the caretaker Afghan government to immediately lift the curbs on women and girls.

The Associated Press reported the draft resolution, seen by it, denounced the ban on Afghan women working for the United Nations.

Voicing concern at the erosion of respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls, the resolution underlines their role in public life.

Drafted by the United Arab Emirates and Japan, the resolution could be adopted by a majority of member states. Russia and China are expected to abstain.

The resolution will reiterate the world body’s support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, as well as for an 'inclusive determination of the country's political future.

Afghan women have been barred from working for the UN and other organisations, with girls not allowed to study beyond the sixth grade.

For its part, the interim government has repeatedly affirmed its respect for women's rights within the framework of the Islamic law. It says the ban is an internal issue, causing no problem for the UN.

PAN Monitor/mud