The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, commonly known as UN Women, has strongly condemned a new decree issued by the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan. The organization warns that the directive could further undermine the rights and security of women and girls in the country.
Decree No. 18 Raises Concerns
In a statement released on May 29, 2026, the UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan, Susan Ferguson, expressed grave concern over Decree No. 18, which was published by the de facto Ministry of Justice on May 14, 2026. Ferguson described the decree as a significant regression for women's rights, nearly five years after the Taliban regained control of the nation.
The decree introduces new conditions for marital separation and raises alarms regarding child marriage and the requirement of women's consent. According to UN Women, the new policy deviates from pre-Taliban laws that established a minimum marriage age and criminalized forced and child marriages.
Lack of Minimum Age for Marriage
UN Women noted that the decree does not specify a minimum age for marriage. Instead, it outlines circumstances under which child marriages can be annulled after puberty, a provision that the organization fears could normalize the practice. The agency also criticized clauses that make it more challenging for women to separate from their spouses, as women face stricter legal requirements than men, including the need for multiple witnesses to support separation claims.
In some instances, husbands can override a woman's request for separation through personal statements or by withholding consent, further entrenching gender inequality.
Unequal Treatment Before the Law
UN Women emphasized that the decree reinforces concerns about unequal treatment of men and women under Afghan law, citing an earlier Decree No. 12 issued in January. The organization reiterated that Afghan women and girls have the right to live free from violence and discrimination, with access to dignity, safety, freedom of movement, and participation in public life.
The agency called on the de facto authorities to ensure that all laws and policies align with international human rights treaties and conventions to which Afghanistan is a signatory.
