The 15-member council agreed to the Norway-drafted statementnearly two weeks after it discussed the situation behind closed-doors. Itexpressed "deep concern regarding the increasing erosion of respect forthe human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan bythe Taliban."
Earlier this month the Taliban ordered women to cover theirfaces in public, a return to a signature policy of the Islamist group"s pasthardline rule. They also asked television broadcasters to ensure that femalepresenters on local stations cover their faces when on air.
"The members of the Security Council called on theTaliban to swiftly reverse the policies and practices which are currentlyrestricting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Afghan women andgirls," read the Security Council statement.
Under the Taliban"s previous rule from 1996 to 2001, womenhad to cover up, could not work, and girls were banned from school. But afterseizing power in August last year, the Taliban said it would respect women"srights.
However in March, the Taliban backtracked on theirannouncement that high schools would open for girls, saying they would remainclosed until a plan was drawn up in accordance with Islamic law for them toreopen.
The Security Council "reiterated their call on theTaliban to adhere to their commitments to reopen schools for all femalestudents without further delay."
