Taliban Cuts Ties with UN Over Morality Law

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has announced it will cease cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA), labeling the UN as a 'hostile party' following criticism of a new morality law that imposes severe restrictions on women's freedoms. The law, requiring women to cover themselves completely and not raise their voices in public, has been condemned by the UN and the EU as detrimental to Afghanistan's international engagement. Taliban officials, including deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, insist on a commitment to diplomatic interactions based on their interpretation of Islamic law, despite the backlash. The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice criticized the UN for its 'propaganda' and demanded respect for Islamic values from international entities. This law, published on July 31, encompasses 35 articles that also impose strict rules on men's attire and other cultural practices. As of now, no country has recognized the Taliban government since it took power in 2021.