BEIJING, Dec 7, (Asia Free Press): Chinese government has welcomed much-appreciated steps towards the fundamental rights for women in war-torn Afghanistan after the Taliban take over, said by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, according to a state-run Xinhua.
“As a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China hopes that the relevant laws and regulations will be implemented, including the protection of basic human rights including the rights of women and children,” Zhao said during his regular briefing.
“This is in the interests of the Afghan people and also the common expectation of the international community,” he added.
Zhao Lijian said the Chinese side had noticed that the leaders of the Afghan interim government issued the latest decree on the protection of women’s rights and interests in marriage and family, stating that women were noble and free individuals and could not be used as trading objects.
Women’s consent must be obtained for marriage, and no one should deprive them of their legal rights. It would encourage the cultivation of people’s awareness of women’s rights and encourage writers and social activists to publish articles beneficial to women’s rights, the Spokesman further added.
“This was a practical measure taken by the Afghan Taliban to protect the rights and interests of women, and worthy of welcome and encouragement”, the Spokesman added while appreciating the Taliban government.
It may be mentioned here that Supreme Leader of the Taliban, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, on Friday issued a decree regarding women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The decree comprised six elements, which was released by the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, Zabiullah Mujahid, stipulated that the relevant institutions must take steps in its implementation.
