The Taliban has declared its refusal to acknowledge passports, visas, and other documents issued by Afghan diplomatic missions in numerous countries, including London, Berlin, and several others. This move signifies the Taliban’s continued efforts to assert control over diplomatic affairs since regaining power in 2021. Facing international sanctions and a lack of recognition as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, the Taliban is seeking to establish its authority on the global stage. The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that they will not be responsible for documents issued by the aforementioned missions, urging individuals residing in those countries to contact embassies and consulates under the control of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan government. The Taliban’s assertion of control over embassies abroad has been an ongoing process. In March 2023, the group claimed to have sent diplomats to 14 countries, and last October, Afghan embassies in Spain and the Netherlands acknowledged working with the Taliban authorities in Kabul. However, the lack of transparency and cooperation observed at embassies in London and Vienna led to the suspension of consular services. Despite some countries, including Pakistan and China, maintaining active diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s restrictions on women and girls remain a significant obstacle to obtaining official recognition. The Taliban has imposed severe limitations on female education beyond the sixth grade and restricted women’s access to employment and public spaces. A recent United Nations report shed light on the Taliban’s ongoing suppression of women’s rights. The report details an incident in May where intelligence officials forcefully closed the office of a women-led non-governmental organization for allowing female employees to work. Although the NGO was allowed to reopen after signing a letter prohibiting female employees from entering the office, the incident highlights the Taliban’s crackdown on women’s participation in the workforce. Furthermore, the report highlights the Taliban’s morality police in southern Zabul province, who issued directives to transportation companies and checkpoint commanders prohibiting women from traveling without a male guardian. The report notes that those who defy this order will face severe consequences. The Taliban has not yet responded to the UN’s report. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains closely watching the Taliban’s actions and the implications for the future of Afghanistan and its people.
