Story perspectives

UN Calls Gender Apartheid a Crime in Afghanistan

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

United Nations experts call for recognizing 'gender apartheid' as a crime against humanity in a new treaty addressing Afghanistan's human rights abuses.
They urge Afghan women and gender justice activists to participate in treaty negotiations to shape the legal framework.
Since 2021, when the Taliban regained power, women have faced severe restrictions, and experts urge member states to codify gender apartheid and fund women-led organizations, stressing survivor input.

History

Historical Context

The United Nations established the Responsibility to Protect doctrine in 2001 to prevent human rights abuses, particularly against vulnerable populations. Since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021, Human Rights Watch reported that Afghan women face severe restrictions, prompting calls to recognize 'gender apartheid' as a crime against humanity. This movement could reshape international human rights law and empower Afghan women.

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Story summary

United Nations experts call for recognizing 'gender apartheid' as a crime against humanity in a new treaty addressing Afghanistan's human rights abuses.
They urge Afghan women and gender justice activists to participate in treaty negotiations to shape the legal framework.
Since 2021, when the Taliban regained power, women have faced severe restrictions, and experts urge member states to codify gender apartheid and fund women-led organizations, stressing survivor input.

1 / 2