The UN's mission in Afghanistan has said it would review its presence in the country after the Taliban banned its female staff from working.
The UN has asked all its staff in Afghanistan to stay at home until early next month after the Taliban, which has ruled since its takeover in 2021, forced it into what it called an "appalling choice" following the latest restrictions on women's rights.
"Through this ban, the Taliban de facto authorities seek to force the United Nations into having to make an appalling choice between staying and delivering in support of the Afghan people and standing by the norms and principles we are duty-bound to uphold," the UN said on Tuesday.
An operational review has been ordered until May 5.
"During this period, the UN in Afghanistan will conduct the necessary consultations, make required operational adjustments and accelerate contingency planning for all possible outcomes," it said.
"It should be clear that any negative consequences of this crisis for the Afghan people will be the responsibility of the de facto authorities."
The UN last week announced that the Taliban had said Afghan women would not be able to work for the global organisation, following a ban on women working in the charity sector.
Taliban officials have yet to comment on the order.
Female UN staff in the eastern province of Nangarhar were stopped from reporting to work last week.
The UN labelled the ban "a violation of inalienable fundamental human rights of women" that will harm Afghans.
It has about 3,900 staff members in Afghanistan, including 3,300 Afghans and 600 international employees.
The Taliban has steadily pushed females out of public life, confirming fears it would severely repress women's freedom after returning to power.
Women are banned from schools, universities and public parks, cannot travel without a male relative and have been forced to cover up when outside of the home.
Many have protested over the restrictions and some have defied the Taliban by opening underground schools.
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Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm
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OIL PLEDGE
At the start of Russia's invasion, IEA member countries held 1.5 billion barrels in public reserves and about 575 million barrels under obligations with industry, according to the agency's website. The two collective actions of the IEA this year of 62.7 million barrels, which was agreed on March 1, and this week's 120 million barrels amount to 9 per cent of total emergency reserves, it added.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Director: Laila Abbas
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