The United States, European Union and 19 other countries on Wednesday released a statement calling on people in authority in Afghanistan to guarantee the protection of women and girls in the country, as fears mount that the Taliban will use its recently won power to dis-empower thousands. "We are deeply worried about Afghan women and girls, their rights to education, work and freedom of movement," the group said in a statement. "We in the international community stand ready to assist them with humanitarian aid and support, to ensure that their voices can be heard.