Malala Yousafzai Criticizes EU Invitation to Taliban for Brussels Talks

Malala Yousafzai has criticized the European Union's invitation to the Taliban for talks in Brussels on Afghan migrants. In her statement, she explained that this move sends a dangerous message. It suggests that a regime can oppress women and girls and yet still be treated as a diplomatic partner by international actors.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate went on to highlight the Taliban's gender apartheid policies in detail. She described how these policies ban women and girls from participating in public life. They are also barred from attending schools and from working. Freedom of travel is denied to them. In addition, the policies force women into compulsory marriage.

Yousafzai also drew attention to recent arrests and violence against women in Herat. According to her, the Taliban arrested at least thirty women and girls in the city last week. The arrests were carried out over dress code violations. During protests against these actions, security forces fired on the demonstrators. This resulted in the death of a child and injuries to others.

The European Union has invited a Taliban delegation to Brussels for these discussions. Yousafzai urged Europe not to engage with a regime responsible for severe human rights abuses. She called for greater attention to these issues in any discussions involving the Taliban.