UN Special Representative for Afghanistan on the Situation in the Country | Security Council

Summary

In this briefing, key figures discuss the upcoming Doha talks involving the Taliban, addressing criticisms about the exclusion of Afghan civil society and women. The conversation highlights the focus on urgent issues such as private business, banking, and counter-narcotics policies. The international community's concern over women's rights and education is emphasized, along with the challenges in negotiating with the Taliban. Despite the exclusion of women from the table in this meeting, the dialogue is seen as a first step in an evolving process, with future meetings expected to be more inclusive and result-oriented.

Takeaways

• 😀 The third Doha meeting is significant as it marks the first time the Taliban will attend, but criticism arises about the lack of Afghan Civil Society and women at the table.
• 😀 The United Nations emphasizes the importance of including Afghan women in discussions, but the first meeting will not feature them directly at the table, with a hybrid meeting planned before the event for their participation.
• 😀 The United Nations representative assures that discussions will address urgent issues like private business, banking, and counternarcotics, which directly impact Afghan women.
• 😀 The primary issues on the agenda for the Doha meeting include private business opportunities, banking, and addressing the drug problem in Afghanistan, with a focus on how these issues affect women.
• 😀 Despite the absence of women at the main table, the Afghan women's participation in the discussions will occur through separate meetings and hybrid formats.
• 😀 The meeting aims to continue dialogue with the Taliban and address pressing issues like drug addiction and the potential for women’s involvement in business.
• 😀 The Taliban's anticipated participation includes key representatives, potentially the foreign minister, though exact roles and conditions for their attendance are still under discussion.
• 😀 The United Nations stresses the gradual nature of the dialogue with the Taliban, acknowledging the complex political and cultural transition as they move from a group formed in battle to an internationally recognized government.
• 😀 International recognition of the Taliban, including possible recognition by Russia, is an ongoing issue, but the United Nations sees these decisions as political choices of individual countries.
• 😀 While the meeting will touch on a range of issues, a significant concern is the educational restrictions for girls, with a call for the Taliban to reverse their decision to ban girls from attending school.
• 😀 The United Nations urges the Taliban to provide more resources for education, health, and agriculture while addressing the needs of women and girls, with a strong emphasis on capacity-building and long-term development.

Q & A

What is the main criticism about the upcoming Doha meeting?

The main criticism centers around the exclusion of Afghan women and civil society representatives from the meeting, particularly concerns about the lack of their participation in discussions about women's rights in Afghanistan.

Why are women and civil society representatives not included in the Doha meeting?

The representative from the United Nations explains that while women's participation is not possible at this time, there are plans for their involvement in future meetings, including a hybrid meeting prior to Doha with civil society members.

What issues will be discussed at the Doha meeting in the absence of women at the table?

The meeting will focus on pressing issues like private business and banking, as well as counternarcotics policy. The representative emphasized that these topics are also critical for women’s rights, particularly in relation to women's involvement in business and addressing addiction issues.

How does the United Nations plan to engage with the Taliban on women’s rights?

The United Nations intends to continue dialogue with the Taliban, gradually building towards more inclusive conversations. While direct involvement of women is not possible at the moment, the UN is committed to engaging them in future meetings.

What is the expected outcome of the Doha meeting for the international community?

The expected outcome is a continuation of dialogue with the Taliban, addressing critical issues such as business opportunities, counternarcotics, and humanitarian assistance. The UN hopes this will lead to a framework for further cooperation and support for Afghanistan.

Will there be any Taliban representatives at the meeting, and who might attend?

Yes, the Taliban is expected to send representatives, with the expectation that the foreign minister or another high-ranking official will lead the delegation. However, the exact representatives have yet to be confirmed.

Why is the inclusion of women at the table such an important issue?

The inclusion of women is critical because they represent half of the population and are directly affected by policies on business, education, and rights. The exclusion raises concerns about whether issues critical to women's rights will be adequately addressed in the dialogue.

What steps is the UN taking to address the Taliban's policies on women’s education?

The UN has been in constant dialogue with the Taliban about the need to allow girls to attend school, though there has been resistance. The UN continues to press for change and for policies that support the education and empowerment of women.

What are some of the immediate priorities for Afghanistan that will be discussed in Doha?

Immediate priorities include addressing the economic situation, particularly related to private business and banking, as well as countering drug addiction. The UN also plans to discuss capacity-building efforts and the replacement of poppy farming with alternative crops.

How do the Taliban view the international community's role in Afghanistan?

The Taliban view the international community's role primarily as providing humanitarian aid and economic support, particularly in areas such as agriculture, health, and law enforcement. They also seek assistance in rebuilding Afghanistan's infrastructure and governance capacity.