Afghanistan – France utterly condemns the Taliban’s decision to bar women from working at NGOs (Dec. 26, 2022)

France utterly condemns the Taliban’s decision to bar women from working at national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Afghanistan. This will seriously hamper the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, as many women work in this field and their contribution is absolutely critical. This decision comes at a time when the country is facing a dire economic and humanitarian crisis.

This latest prohibition against women, who were already banned from attending university last week, once again illustrates the obscurantism of the Taliban, which has chosen to systematically exclude women from Afghan society since seizing power by force in August 2021. This relentless discrimination against women is intolerable.

North Korea – Missile launches (Dec. 26, 2022)

France utterly condemns the December 23rd launch of two short-range ballistic missiles, following the December 18th launch of two medium-range ballistic missiles, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

France is extremely concerned by reports that North Korean drones have crossed the demarcation line.

North Korea must comply with its international obligations without delay. Together with its partners, France is determined to pursue the goal of North Korea’s complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization and to encourage dialogue among all parties.