UN Meeting with Taliban to Address Women’s Rights

UN Meeting to Address Afghan Women’s Rights with Taliban

The upcoming UN meeting in Qatar’s capital, Doha, marks a significant step as Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers engage directly with representatives from about 25 countries, including major stakeholders like the EU, OIC, US, Russia, China, and Afghanistan’s neighbors. Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, set to chair the session starting Sunday, emphasized that while this meeting is pivotal, it’s the beginning of a gradual process aimed at fostering peace and adherence to international norms by the Taliban.

This meeting, the third of its kind with Afghan envoys but the first with Taliban participation, follows their 2021 takeover after US and NATO forces withdrew. The Taliban’s exclusion from earlier meetings underscores the complex international dynamics surrounding their governance, unrecognized by any country. The UN has underscored that formal recognition remains elusive due to ongoing bans on female education, employment, and restrictions requiring women to have male guardians for outdoor activities.

DiCarlo, who previously engaged with Taliban leaders in Kabul, stressed that the international community’s concerns, including inclusive governance and human rights violations against women and girls, will be central to discussions. Despite criticism from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International over the absence of Afghan women and civil society at the table, DiCarlo framed the meeting as a preliminary step rather than a full-fledged inter-Afghan dialogue.

During the upcoming sessions, the agenda will cover critical topics like Afghanistan’s financial system, private sector development, and strategies to counter drug trafficking. Additionally, discussions will focus on climate change impacts on Afghanistan, reflecting broader global concerns.

The first day will center on international engagement strategies with the Taliban, emphasizing peace objectives and adherence to human rights standards. On the second day, participants will delve into economic issues, including microfinance initiatives to integrate more women into the workforce, and measures to combat narcotics through alternative livelihoods and support for drug rehabilitation.

DiCarlo acknowledged the slow progress expected from these deliberations but underscored their importance in addressing Afghanistan’s isolation from the international community. She reiterated that the meeting does not confer recognition on the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, emphasizing the need for broader inclusion and support for Afghan people.

Ahead of the formal session, DiCarlo engaged with the Afghan diaspora, reflecting the UN’s outreach efforts. Post-meeting, there are plans to involve civil society representatives, particularly women and private sector stakeholders based in Afghanistan, highlighting ongoing efforts to broaden participation and perspectives in Afghan governance discussions.

In summary, while this meeting represents a critical diplomatic initiative, it underscores the challenges and complexities in achieving lasting peace and inclusivity in Afghanistan. The UN’s role in facilitating dialogue and addressing humanitarian concerns remains pivotal amidst global scrutiny and expectations for progress.

Re-reported from the article originally published in THE WEEK.