Canada Condemns Taliban’s Latest Edict Banning Afghan Women’s Public Voices

Toronto — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly issued a strong condemnation against the Taliban’s latest restriction on Afghan women, which forbids them from hearing each other’s voices in public. The controversial edict represents a new level of suppression, further eroding the rights of women in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s regime.

Joly expressed her deep concern over the oppressive measure in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on October 30. “Canada strongly condemns the Taliban’s latest edict, barring Afghan women from hearing each other’s voices in public,” she wrote. “This oppressive measure is yet another attack and continued violation of women’s rights.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amplified the message by reposting Joly’s statement, signaling his support and emphasizing Canada’s commitment to advocating for Afghan women’s rights.

International Push for Accountability

The Canadian government is taking action alongside other nations to address the ongoing human rights abuses by the Taliban. Joly revealed that Canada has launched a joint dispute under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in collaboration with Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands.

“We’ll continue to stand for Afghan women & girls, advocating for their right to lead a dignified life,” Joly emphasized. The move under CEDAW aims to hold the Taliban accountable for policies that systematically discriminate against women and girls, as global pressure mounts for tangible steps to address the crisis.

A Pattern of Escalating Oppression

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have systematically stripped away women’s rights, banning education for women and severely limiting their roles in society. The recent edict adds to a long list of restrictions, drawing widespread international condemnation from human rights advocates and governments worldwide.

Canada, which has long championed women’s and girls’ rights on the global stage, remains committed to using diplomatic and legal means to support Afghan women. Observers say the joint CEDAW action may pave the way for further international measures.

Afghanistan’s current humanitarian crisis, combined with the Taliban’s harsh policies, continues to raise alarm among global leaders, making the plight of Afghan women a critical focus of international human rights advocacy.