The Afghan Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (PVPV) has ceased its cooperation with the UN mission in the country, according to a statement from the ministry.
The PVPV announced it will no longer support or cooperate with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which it views as an adversary, due to what it perceives as “ongoing propaganda.”
This decision follows concerns voiced by the UN over a law newly ratified by the Taliban authorities that imposes fresh restrictions on women.
In a statement, the ministry urged international organisations, countries, and individuals who have criticised the law to "respect the religious values of Muslims," and refrain from such criticism and statements, "which insult the sacred values of Islam.”
The new 35-article legislation, enacted on 22 August, potentially governs all aspects of Afghan social and private life with a very strict application of the Sharia (Islamic law).
The law sets forth a progressive system of penalties for non-compliance, ranging from verbal warnings to threats, fines, and detention, administered by the moral police.
Among the various provisions, the law mandates women to cover their faces and bodies when leaving the home, and to make sure their voices are not heard.
