Jacinda Ardern Calls On The Taliban To Show 'Humanity' Towards Afghan Women

Jacinda Ardern is one of many world leaders calling on the Taliban not to reintroduce strict rules into Afghanistan.

The militant organisation has taken control of the country in just a few days after launching a military offensive.

They've taken over Kabul's Presidential Palace and many are concerned the old days of the Taliban are back.

When the group ruled Afghanistan before being ousted in 2001, they forced women to wear a full burqa and ladies were only allowed to leave their home with a male guide.

Girls were banned from going to school and women were prevented from most types of jobs.

While a Taliban spokesperson said back in May they planned to bring in legislation that allows women to be a part of the community, experts aren't convinced they will follow through with the promise now that they're in power.

An international coalition of campaigners and leaders are begging for the organisation to think of women and girls when deciding their domestic policy.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "The international community is calling on the Taliban to demonstrate a willingness to allow people to leave, and that includes foreign nationals.

"Demonstrate that you are going to be an administration that takes into account the wellbeing of women and girls.

"The whole world will be watching. It's not a matter of trust, it's going to be all about the actions, not the words."

She has ordered a C-130 Hercules aircraft to evacuate the 53 Kiwis living in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister will also permit 37 Afghanis who helped Kiwi defence forces during the 20-year war to live in New Zealand.

Ms Ardern is hopeful the Taliban will uphold its pledge to include women in society.

"I would just again implore those who made these moves in recent days to acknowledge what the international community has called for - human rights and the safety of their people," she said.

"What we want to see is women and girls being able to access work and education. These are things that have traditionally not been available to them where there has been governance by Taliban."

The international community has been shocked by the speed and seeming ease of the Taliban's takeover.

Leaders are waiting for the dust to settle to see what the new-age Taliban organisation will look like in Afghanistan.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: New Zealand, News

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie