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UN Rights Chief Slams Taliban's Threat to Women's Rights

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized Afghanistan's Taliban decree as a threat to rights, especially for women.
The decree, signed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, imposes corporal punishment, expands the death penalty, and criminalizes criticism of the Taliban.
Turk called for repeal and noted rising civilian casualties from cross-border clashes with Pakistan.
The Taliban says women's rights are local issues and condemned Pakistan's airstrikes as sovereignty violations.

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Story summary

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized Afghanistan's Taliban decree as a threat to rights, especially for women.
The decree, signed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, imposes corporal punishment, expands the death penalty, and criminalizes criticism of the Taliban.
Turk called for repeal and noted rising civilian casualties from cross-border clashes with Pakistan.
The Taliban says women's rights are local issues and condemned Pakistan's airstrikes as sovereignty violations.