The Kabul Tribune (KT) — UN Women has raised alarm over a new Taliban decree, warning that it further undermines the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, nearly five years after the group’s return to power, UN News reported.
The concerns focus on Decree No. 18, issued on May 14, 2026,
by the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice, which outlines rules governing separation
from a spouse.
According to the report, the decree has sparked fears of
increased child marriage and further restrictions on women seeking to leave
abusive relationships. Unlike laws in place before 2021, the decree does not
set a minimum age for marriage.
Instead, it states that a child marriage can only be
annulled after a girl reaches puberty — a provision that risks normalizing the
practice.
The decree also places heavier legal burdens on women
seeking separation, including the requirement for multiple witness testimonies,
while granting husbands greater authority in marital disputes.
Susan Ferguson said the measure highlights growing
inequality under current laws.
“This again shows that men and women are no longer equal
before the law in Afghanistan,” she said.
UN Women has called on the Taliban to revise the decree and
ensure that laws and policies align with international human rights standards.
The warning comes amid broader concerns raised by the United
Nations over deteriorating conditions in conflict-affected regions, including
Sudan and Haiti, where violence and displacement continue to put civilians at
risk.
