Guterres expressed concern over the continued violations of women’s rights, freedom of expression and basic freedoms in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
He said discriminatory policies against Afghan women were affecting their lives across all areas and amounted to a clear violation of their fundamental rights.
The UN chief warned that restrictions imposed on women were also creating major obstacles to Afghanistan’s economic development, stability and integration with the international community.
Guterres also called for the immediate lifting of restrictions preventing Afghan women from working for the United Nations in Afghanistan.
He asked the Taliban authorities to end discriminatory measures against women and ensure that Afghan women are able to fully exercise their basic rights and freedoms.