Delegations from Afghanistan and around 30 other countries have gathered in Doha for United Nations-sponsored talks on integrating Afghanistan into the international community. This marks the first time the Taliban will be present at such talks. The agenda includes discussions on Afghanistan’s peace, financial systems, drug trafficking, and more, with the Taliban seeking the release of frozen assets and alternative livelihoods for farmers. However, women have been excluded from the talks, leading to criticism from human rights groups and activists.
While the talks do not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban, the group views them as an opportunity to address economic issues, expand trade relations, and tackle drug problems. The exclusion of women from the discussions has drawn condemnation from organizations like Human Rights Watch and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Women in Afghanistan continue to face restrictions on education and employment since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Despite calls to reverse these policies, including from Islamic scholars, the Taliban has maintained strict restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan. Female activists in the country feel abandoned by the international community and express concerns about the future. The absence of women from the talks raises questions about the inclusivity of Afghanistan’s future development and highlights ongoing challenges in advancing women’s rights in the country.
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