Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
In keeping with our unwavering commitment to defend human rights and religious freedom worldwide, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) deplore the escalating campaign in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to deny basic rights to women.
It is unfortunate but true that many nations and cultures even today deny various rights to women. The Taliban’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, however, is particularly heinous. The Taliban’s new family law, introduced in May 2026, officially recognizes the marriages of extremely young girls; human rights groups warn that this will normalize and increase the already widespread practice of the marriage of children, and of impoverished fathers selling their daughters to much older men who wish to marry them. Forced marriage is likewise widespread.
The Taliban also impede women’s access to healthcare. They have forbidden women from attending secondary school, as well as to obtain a college or university education. A widely respected Taliban cleric has declared women’s education “forbidden,” saying that women and girls need study only religious subjects, as well as matters relating to marriage, raising children, and household duties.
Even that is not all. The Taliban have banned women from working in the civil service, as well as for national and international NGOs and even in beauty salons. The idea of women participating in political activity is out of the question, and the Taliban have turned a blind eye to rampant domestic abuse. Women must wear the traditional full body covering, covering even their faces, when they venture out of doors; Taliban authorities have opened fire upon women who have dared to protest against this dress code.
We call upon the United Nations, global human rights organizations, all governments worldwide that are committed to human rights and the equal dignity of women, to use all available means to compel the Afghan government to allow women to function in society with all rights and their full God-given dignity.
Above all, we call upon all Archons and people of good will to pray earnestly for the embattled women and girls of Afghanistan, that our loving and merciful God would grant them succor in their suffering and swift relief from their appalling plight.
Yours in the service of our Holy Mother Church,
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis
Archon Grand Aktouarios
National Commander
