📷 Image Credits: Al Jazeera English
The United Nations-led meeting in Qatar has brought together various delegations from Afghanistan and 30 other countries to discuss the integration of Afghanistan into the international community. This marks the first time the Afghan Taliban government is participating in such talks, showcasing a shift in international engagement. Led by Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the delegation includes government officials responsible for banking, trade, and narcotics control. Notably, this meeting will be represented by Rosemary DiCarlo, the undersecretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, in the absence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The agenda focuses on moving towards a peaceful Afghanistan, in line with international obligations on human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. The Taliban is eager to discuss financial and banking system restrictions, as well as measures against drug trafficking, which have long plagued the country. They are demanding the release of frozen central bank reserves in the US and exploring alternative livelihood options for farmers affected by the opium ban.
The talks, however, do not imply official recognition of the Taliban government. Despite this, the Taliban sees these engagements as opportunities to address economic challenges, enhance trade relations, and tackle the country’s drug issues. The exclusion of women from the meeting has raised concerns, with human rights organizations criticizing the decision. Heather Barr from Human Rights Watch expressed disappointment at the omission of discussions on human rights from the agenda.
The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains dire, with restrictions on education, employment, and movement imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. The decision to bar women from using gyms, working with NGOs, and imposing a strict dress code has led to increased marginalization. An Afghan female activist highlighted the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan and expressed a sense of abandonment by the international community. These talks serve as a crucial platform for addressing the pressing issues in Afghanistan and moving towards a more inclusive and stable future.
