At a UN summit in Doha, Afghan Taliban representatives are seeking to lift economic sanctions imposed on Afghanistan, while international diplomats express concerns about severe restrictions on women and girls under Taliban rule.
The summit, held for the third time in Qatar in a little over a year, focuses on issues like the private sector’s role and combating narcotics.
The Taliban delegation, led by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, is emphasizing the need for constructive engagement with Western nations despite ongoing sanctions. They argue these sanctions are unfair given Afghanistan’s history of conflict and foreign interference.
Meanwhile, UN officials, including Rosemary DiCarlo, highlight global worries about Taliban policies restricting women’s rights. These include barring girls from schools, and women from universities, and limiting female employment and public activities.
Rights groups criticize the absence of Afghan women at the talks, urging their inclusion for meaningful discussions about Afghanistan’s future. The summit reflects ongoing international efforts to address humanitarian and political challenges in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power.