SG/SM/7813
AFG/137
24 May 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISMAYED AT REPORTS OF TALIBAN
PROPOSAL TO ORDER "IDENTITY LABELS"
FOR NON-MUSLIM AFGHANS

NEW YORK, 23 May (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is dismayed by reports of a proposal by the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan to force non-Muslim citizens of their country to wear identity labels on their clothing. Such an order would constitute a grave violation of human rights, and recalls some of the most deplorable acts of discrimination in history. The Secretary-General appeals to the Taliban leadership to reject this proposal, and to focus their efforts on alleviating the suffering of their people, who yearn for peace and security.

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