KABUL: The United Nations on Tuesday suspended operations at a key border crossing between Afghanistan and Iran because of new Taliban government restrictions on Afghan women workers, a UN official said.
Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, did not detail the restrictions but warned they were creating “immediate operational challenges” and posed “additional risks for returning people, particularly women and girls”.
Islam Qala is the main crossing point for Afghans expelled from Iran, more than 60 percent of whom are women and children, according to the UN official.
“The UN and humanitarian partners have today suspended operations at the Islam Qala border between Afghanistan and Iran, following the introduction of additional restrictions preventing female national UN and partner staff from operating at the border,” said Ratwatte.
“Without female staff, we cannot collectively serve returning women and children under conditions of dignity and respect,” Ratwatte added.
Several UN sources contacted by AFP said the decision followed a Monday meeting with Taliban government officials.
The Taliban authorities did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.