Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing in Response to the Taliban’s Decision to Ban Women from Universities

Ambassador Robert Wood
Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs
New York, New York
December 20, 2022

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President. I am taking the floor a second time to make a brief statement in response to breaking news reports from Afghanistan.

We understand the Taliban’s so-called Ministry of Higher Education has just issued a decision banning women from public and private universities. The United States condemns in the strongest terms this absolutely indefensible position. The Taliban cannot expect to be a legitimate member of the international community until they respect the rights of all Afghans, especially the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls. We will continue to work with this Council to speak with one voice on this issue.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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