Geneva, Feb. 27 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has strongly condemned the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan over a new decree that effectively expands and legitimises the use of violence against women and children, including in homes, in the country.

Speaking at the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council on Thursday, Turk described Afghanistan as "a graveyard for human rights", citing the Taliban's cascade of edicts since coming to power in 2021, which has barred women from secondary and higher education, most forms of employment, and access to healthcare and civic spaces, leaving them socially and economically marginalised.

Turk condemned the decr...