Afghan Women Warn Against Possible Deal With Taliban

LONDON (Reuters) - Groups representing Afghan women warned the international community on Wednesday against pursuing a peace deal with the Taliban, fearing a return to the austere Islamist rule that saw women banned from education and work.

Women from a United Nations agency, the Institute for Inclusive Security and other rights' groups told reporters in London that the progress made since 2001 should not be jeopardised by courting conservative elements.

The Afghan women's groups urged the nations attending the conference to adhere to commitments to women's rights in 2001.

"Achieving true security will require more than military stabilisation; it will require women's freedom of movement and access to basic services," they said in a statement.

"Additionally, it will necessitate social change in private as well as public life."- Afghan Women Warn Against Possible Deal With Taliban

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