UN Adopts Resolution Urging Taliban to End Oppression of Women, Despite U.S. Opposition

The UN General Assembly on Monday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to reverse their escalating oppression of women and girls and to dismantle all terrorist organizations operating within the country — a move opposed by the United States and Israel.

The non-binding 11-page resolution, backed by 116 countries, reflects broad global condemnation of the Taliban’s policies since returning to power in 2021. Twelve countries abstained — including Russia, China, India, and Iran — while only two voted against it.

The resolution highlights the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women and girls, including bans on public life participation and education beyond the sixth grade. It also stresses the urgent need for economic recovery and humanitarian support in Afghanistan, where millions face food insecurity and poverty.

“We are telling Afghan women and girls they are not forgotten,” said Germany’s UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse, whose country sponsored the measure.
“To Afghan mothers holding sick children or mourning victims of terrorist attacks — we see you.”

U.S. Pushes Back Against Engagement

U.S. Minister-Counselor Jonathan Shrier criticized the resolution, arguing it risks legitimizing the Taliban without real reform.

“It rewards the Taliban’s failure with more engagement and more resources,” Shrier said, adding that the Trump administration has no confidence the group will align with international expectations.

He emphasized that the U.S. has already made immense sacrifices for the Afghan people:

“For decades we shouldered the burden with time, money, and most importantly, American lives. Now it is the Taliban’s turn to act.”

Last month, the Trump administration banned Afghans from resettling in the U.S., except in limited cases — further signaling a hardline stance on Taliban engagement.

Terror Threats and Regional Tensions

While the resolution acknowledges an improvement in overall security, it voices serious concern about ongoing attacks by Al-Qaeda, ISIS (Daesh), and their affiliates, and urges the Taliban to act against all terror groups “without discrimination.”

It also calls on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to appoint a special coordinator to streamline international engagement with Afghanistan.

The resolution further thanked nations hosting Afghan refugees — singling out Iran and Pakistan — though Shrier objected to this, accusing Iran of executing Afghans without due process and conscripting them into militias.

Notably, the vote came just days after Russia formally recognized the Taliban government — becoming the first major power to do so, despite the group’s continued isolation by much of the international community.

Though symbolic, the resolution sends a strong signal that the world is watching — and that the Taliban’s continued repression will not be met with silence.