INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to revoke their policies targeting
women and girls in Afghanistan.He said in a statement: &No country can develop — indeed survive — socially and economically with half
its population excluded.&&These unfathomable restrictions placed on women and girls will not only increase the suffering of all Afghans but,
I fear, pose a risk beyond Afghanistan&s borders.&He said the policies risked destabilizing Afghan society.This comes after the IEA last
week banned girls from attending university &until further notice&.However, Afghanistan&s Minister of Mines and Petroleum said on Tuesday
that an announcement will be made soon about schools and universities for girls, adding that suitable conditions will be provided for them
in order for the education process to resume.Shahabuddin Delawar, Minister of Mines and Petroleum said: &In the decree of the leader of the
Islamic Emirate, the ‘until further notice& is mentioned and a decision will be made about the schools and universities by the end of
March, which will be in accordance with Sharia and Afghan traditions.&The post UN urges IEA to end restrictions on women first appeared on
