An upcoming UN meeting in Doha marks the first time Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers will engage with representatives from about 25 countries, including the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the US, Russia, China, and Afghanistan’s neighboring states. This two-day event aims to start a gradual process to encourage the Taliban to achieve peace with themselves and their neighbors while adhering to international laws and human rights standards.
UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo addressed concerns about the exclusion of Afghan women, assuring reporters that women’s rights will be a focal point in every session. DiCarlo emphasized that the meeting is an initial step toward encouraging the Taliban to form an inclusive government and respect human rights.
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The Taliban, who seized power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, have not been officially recognized as Afghanistan’s government due to their ongoing bans on female education and employment. DiCarlo stated that these issues, along with the need to combat terrorism and narcotics, were raised in her May meeting with Taliban officials in Kabul.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticized the UN for not including Afghan women and civil society representatives in the discussions. DiCarlo clarified that this meeting is not an inter-Afghan dialogue but expressed hope for such a dialogue in the future.
The Taliban’s agenda includes addressing financial restrictions, private sector development, and countering drug trafficking. The first day of discussions will focus on how to engage the Taliban to achieve peace and adherence to international law. The second day will cover the private sector, including microfinance projects to involve more women in the workforce, and alternative livelihoods to support counter-narcotics efforts.
DiCarlo stressed that the meeting does not imply recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government. “This is about Afghanistan and the people and their need to feel a part of the international community,” she said.