The United Nations Security Council resolution unanimously adopted today sends a clear message to the Taliban: We condemn your repression of Afghan women and girls, and we call for the swift reversal of your indefensible edicts. The international community will not remain on the sidelines while the women and girls of Afghanistan are deprived of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Taliban has reneged on its promises to the international community and to Afghan women and girls by implementing oppressive measures against them, including barring them from working with the UN and NGOs and from attending universities and secondary schools. These draconian edicts only prevent Afghanistan from achieving stability, economic prosperity, and future growth; they place women and girls at increased risk of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation; and they hinder lifesaving humanitarian aid from reaching Afghans in desperate need.

That is why the United States and other members of the international community continue to urge an inclusive political process among all Afghans that fully reflects Afghanistan’s rich diversity, including the meaningful participation of women and members of marginalized communities.

This resolution is a strong step toward that end, and we thank Japan and the United Arab Emirates for leading it to adoption. We also applaud Afghan women and girls for their bravery in continuing to stand in defense of their inalienable rights.

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