The UN’s special envoy to Afghanistan explains the rationale behind excluding Afghan women from the upcoming Taliban meeting in Doha, Qatar, highlighting the focus areas and future humanitarian dialogues on the agenda.
UN Defends Decision Not to Include Afghan Women in Taliban Meeting
The United Nations’ special envoy to Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, defended the absence of Afghan women in the upcoming first meeting between the Taliban and envoys from 22 countries in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for June 30 and July 1, 2024.
The Taliban, who regained control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, have faced international criticism for their treatment of women. They have imposed bans on female education and employment, leading to the UN stating that it is nearly impossible to recognize them as Afghanistan’s government under these conditions.
Despite criticisms from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which highlighted the exclusion of women as a significant oversight, Otunbayeva insisted that women’s rights issues would be raised during the meeting. She confirmed that no Afghan women would be present and emphasized that the meeting would focus on pressing issues, including private business, banking, and counter-narcotics policy, which indirectly impact women.
Otunbayeva mentioned that the third UN-sponsored gathering in Doha would be the first face-to-face discussion between the Taliban and the envoys. Preparatory hybrid meetings with Afghan civil society representatives will also take place before the event. After the Doha meeting, further discussions with civil society representatives are planned for July 2.
The UN aims to foster dialogue between the Taliban and international envoys, hoping to address uncertainties facing Afghan people and discuss future steps. Future meetings may also address the impact of climate change on Afghanistan.
The UN hopes the meetings will result in working groups focused on replacing opium crops, providing addiction treatment, and improving crime prevention and banking systems. Otunbayeva stressed the necessity of changing the Taliban’s policies restricting girls’ education, a situation unique among the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
In addressing the broader humanitarian crisis, UN officials highlighted the severe effects of climate change in Afghanistan, with half the population requiring humanitarian aid.
Key Details:
- Event: UN meeting between the Taliban and envoys from 22 countries.
- Date: June 30 and July 1, 2024.
- Location: Doha, Qatar.
- Controversial Issue: Absence of Afghan women.
- Focus Areas: Private business, banking, counter-narcotics policy, and future humanitarian issues.
- UN Representatives: Roza Otunbayeva, Rosemary DiCarlo.
This gathering marks a critical step in addressing Afghanistan’s crises, with future dialogues expected on various humanitarian fronts, including the impact of climate change.
