A meeting of special envoys to Afghanistan, organized by the UN, took place in Doha, with the goal of discussing increased engagement with Afghanistan and a coordinated response to the country’s current situation. The participation of the Taliban authorities in the meeting remained uncertain, and the Afghan government had not confirmed its attendance. Despite invitations from the UN, the Taliban government expressed conditions for their participation, including being the sole representative of Afghanistan and meeting with the UN secretary general.
The international community has grappled with its approach to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, and many organizations and governments have reduced or cut off funding for the country due to the restrictive laws imposed on the population, especially women.
The meeting in Doha also aimed to include voices from civil society, women, media, and businesses, both inside and outside Afghanistan. The UN had put forth an independent assessment of Afghanistan that recommended tying recognition of the Taliban authorities to the removal of restraints on women’s rights and access to education. However, the Taliban government rejected these recommendations, as well as the appointment of a UN special envoy.
Despite these challenges, participants in the meeting expressed hope that it would lead to meaningful and inclusive discussions among key stakeholders and prioritize human rights, particularly women’s rights. The meeting was seen as a significant opportunity to engage in a UN-led process and reaffirm the rights of Afghan women as non-negotiable.