The Taliban, recognized by Russia, has permitted child marriages in Afghanistan - The Times

The Taliban, which rules Afghanistan, has effectively abolished the minimum age for girls to marry, linking it to the onset of puberty. 

This was reported by The Times.

The new decree on divorce rules has drawn criticism from the UN mission in Afghanistan, which stated that the document further exacerbates discrimination against women and girls. The UN emphasized that the regulations effectively legalize child marriage, as they permit marriage upon reaching “sexual maturity.”

The document also states that the silence of a “virgin girl” who has reached maturity may be interpreted as consent to marriage. The UN stated that this contradicts the principle of voluntary consent and does not guarantee the protection of children’s rights.

Earlier, the Taliban’s Supreme Leader issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that face areas used by Afghan women. In existing buildings, such windows must be blocked.

The Taliban authorities have banned most female employees of humanitarian organizations from working, which, according to humanitarian workers, has made it harder to reach women in need and could lead to donors suspending funding.