The European Parliament has called for urgent action to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all earthquake victims in Afghanistan, particularly in the Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where restrictive gender policies by the Taliban are obstructing relief efforts. In a resolution adopted by 504 votes in favor, 74 against, and 30 abstentions, MEPs emphasized the need to scale up emergency support to reach underserved populations and urged the European Commission to increase EU assistance to cover basic needs, noting that international aid cuts have worsened the crisis.
The Parliament strongly condemned the Taliban regime’s deliberate neglect of women and girls affected by the earthquake, describing it as a “crime against humanity.” MEPs called on the de facto authorities to lift all restrictions that limit aid distribution, particularly to female recipients, and recommended greater engagement with regional partners and trusted NGOs to bypass Taliban interference and ensure humanitarian deliveries.
MEPs also denounced the Taliban’s systemic gender-based restrictions, which prevent women from accessing education, healthcare, humanitarian work, and civil society roles, describing these policies as “gender apartheid.” They urged the EU to support recognizing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and demanded that restrictions on female humanitarian workers and civil society participants be lifted immediately. Parliament further condemned the Taliban’s nationwide internet shutdown, highlighting its disruptive impact.
To hold the Taliban accountable, MEPs called for targeted sanctions, asset freezes, and travel bans against leaders responsible for ongoing human rights violations, including violence against women, sexual assault, and forced child marriages. They also recommended that EU member states refrain from resuming diplomatic contacts with the regime until these issues are addressed.
Finally, the resolution emphasized the urgent need to support Afghan human rights defenders, journalists, and public figures seeking asylum in Pakistan. MEPs highlighted the risks posed by recent deportations to Afghanistan and urged EU member states to expedite asylum processes and provide assistance wherever possible to protect individuals who supported democratic development in Afghanistan.
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