UN Women condemns Afghanistan’s Decree No. 12
The UN Women has strongly condemned Afghanistan’s Decree No. 12, warning that the directive further undermines the rights of women and girls and increases their vulnerability to violence.
In a statement, the agency’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, said the decree — circulated to courts for implementation in early January — formally eliminates equality between men and women before the law and places husbands in positions of authority over their wives.
According to UN Women, the decree stipulates that a husband would only be held criminally responsible for violence within marriage if it results in severe and visible physical injuries. Other forms of abuse, including psychological and sexual violence, are not explicitly prohibited.
The agency noted that, alongside existing restrictions, the new order creates major obstacles for women seeking justice. Women alleging abuse are required to appear before a male judge while fully covered and accompanied by a male guardian, who in some cases could be the alleged abuser.
UN Women also raised concerns that the decree permits the detention of women or their relatives if they frequently visit family members without their husband’s consent.
Additionally, acts deemed immoral or corrupt are classified as crimes under the decree and may attract severe penalties, including capital punishment. The agency warned that women face heightened risk under such provisions due to community surveillance and pre-existing restrictions on their daily lives.
The decree further criminalises criticism of de facto officials, their policies or their interpretation of Sharia law, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to corporal punishment, the agency said. It added that the measure significantly limits women’s participation in public life and advocacy efforts.
UN Women called on Afghanistan’s authorities to ensure that all laws and policies protect the rights of women and girls, in line with international human rights treaties and conventions to which the country is a party.
Comments
This post currently has no comments.