Taliban Wants U.N. Representation, Continues Human Rights Abuses

The Taliban has renewed its campaign to be recognized by the United Nations, appealing by letter to Security Council members and members of the Credentials Committee. The U.N. currently recognizes the opposition government of Afghanistan's President Rabbani.

In the same week that the Taliban has launched its U.N. recognition campaign, it has provoked international concern over its arrest of 24 humanitarian workers, including two American women. The workers represented Shelter Now International, a non-governmental organization whose projects in Afghanistan included soup kitchens and home repairs. The SNI workers have been accused by the Taliban of promoting Christianity, a crime punishable by death in Afghanistan. 59 children accused of involvement with SNI have also been arrested and sent to a detention facility.

The Feminist Majority's Campaign to Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan continues to work to prevent recognition of the Taliban by the United Nations. Take Action

Media Resources: Reuters, August 6; The Frontier Post, August 6; www.afghanradio.com, August 6

© Feminist Majority Foundation, publisher of Ms. magazine

If you liked this story, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Ms. magazine.