Seoul
On Wednesday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul voiced strong concerns about a recent set of laws enacted by the Taliban in Afghanistan, urging them to uphold human rights.
Last week, the Taliban’s justice ministry issued a 35-article law that has drawn international criticism for its severe restrictions on women’s rights. The law mandates that women cover their faces and bodies in public, prohibits them from speaking publicly, and includes other restrictions such as dress codes for men, a ban on homosexuality, and a prohibition on public music, according to sources.
Cho expressed his dismay on X, stating, ‘We are deeply troubled by Afghanistan’s so-called ‘morality’ law, which contradicts global efforts to engage meaningfully with the country.’ He emphasized that women’s rights and human dignity are essential to national progress and called on the Taliban to listen to global concerns and respect fundamental freedoms.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, they have implemented informal restrictions on women’s education and other freedoms.
