World
Taliban Representatives Attend UN-Led Conference in Qatar
Taliban representatives make a significant appearance at a UN-led conference in Qatar, marking a pivotal moment in international relations and peace efforts in Afghanistan.
Taliban officials participated in a significant United Nations-led conference on Sunday, marking their first engagement in such talks. The conference, held in Doha, Qatar, is part of the ongoing “Doha process” initiated in May 2023 to establish a unified international approach towards Afghanistan. Envoys from approximately 25 countries and regional organizations are in attendance, including the European Union, United States, Russia, and China.
Exclusion of Afghan Women Sparks Controversy
The exclusion of Afghan women from the discussions with Taliban representatives at the conference has sparked intense criticism. This decision has been condemned by human rights groups and Afghan women’s organizations as a significant concession made by the UN to encourage Taliban participation. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, expressed concerns that excluding women sets a harmful precedent and risks legitimizing the Taliban’s oppressive gender-based policies.
- Since assuming power in 2021, the Taliban has notably restricted women’s rights, effectively marginalizing them from public life.
- Women are prohibited from pursuing education beyond primary school and are limited in employment opportunities to sectors like education and healthcare.
- Additionally, women are required to have a male guardian for significant travel, further restricting their autonomy.