DOHA: National and regional special envoys to Afghanistan gathered in Doha for a two-day UN meeting on Sunday, marking the second such event in less than a year. The meeting, convened by the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, aimed to foster discussions on increasing engagement with Afghanistan and coordinating a unified response to the country’s challenges.
Despite efforts to include a diverse range of voices, including civil society representatives, women, media, and business leaders, the participation of Taliban authorities remained uncertain. The Afghan government’s attendance was also unclear at the outset of the convention, prompting concerns about the inclusivity of the discussions.
Expressing disappointment over the Taliban’s decision not to attend, Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the importance of finding solutions beneficial to the Afghan people. The Taliban’s strict imposition of laws described as “gender apartheid” have drawn widespread criticism and led to reduced international funding for Afghanistan.
Doha Meeting to Discuss Afghanistan’s Challenges
The UN had extended an invitation to Taliban authorities following their exclusion from the previous meeting in May. However, the Taliban reiterated their conditions for participation, including being recognized as the sole representative of Afghanistan and meeting with the UN secretary-general.
Discussions at the Doha meeting also focused on the recommendations of a UN independent assessment on Afghanistan, which emphasized the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and access to education. The assessment, supported by Western nations, proposed tying recognition of the Taliban authorities to improvements in human rights.
Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, expressed hope that the meeting would lead to meaningful and inclusive discussions prioritizing women’s rights. Similarly, EU special envoy for Afghanistan highlighted the opportunity for constructive dialogue to chart a way forward in a UN-led process.
The UN’s Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security underscored the non-negotiable nature of Afghan women’s rights, urging the international community to prioritize their protection and inclusion in discussions about Afghanistan’s future.
