Australia welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report.

At a time when Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with six million Afghans on the precipice of famine, it is unfathomable that the Taliban has banned women from working for NGOs. Women are essential to humanitarian operations, including in ensuring assistance reaches people in the most vulnerable situations.

We are deeply concerned by the number of repressive edicts issued by the Taliban against women and girls eradicating them from public life.

The Taliban’s actions are an egregious abuse of women and girls’ rights and an act of harm against all Afghan citizens.

We call on the Taliban to remove their damaging directives that hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The participation and leadership of women and girls in Afghanistan is critical to the realisation of their human rights, and for achieving lasting peace, stability and economic recovery.

Australia asks what steps can be taken to ensure the direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to those most in need?