Taliban authorities have asserted that demands regarding women’s rights are internal matters to be addressed within Afghanistan, ahead of UN-led engagement talks in Qatar. This statement comes as the Taliban government faces mounting criticism for its exclusion of Afghan women from the main meetings, prompting concerns about the lack of human rights issues on the agenda. The Taliban government, which has imposed stringent restrictions on women since assuming power in 2021, has been accused of implementing policies amounting to ‘gender apartheid’ by the UN. Despite this, the Taliban will send its first delegation to the third round of talks beginning in Qatar on Sunday. The delegation will be led by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who stated at a news conference in Kabul that the Taliban government acknowledges issues concerning women but insists that these are internal matters for Afghanistan to address. Mujahid emphasized the Taliban’s commitment to finding solutions within Afghanistan to prevent further conflict and discord. He further asserted that the Taliban government would represent all of Afghanistan at the meetings and, due to their authority, should be the sole Afghan representatives. He expressed concern that having multiple Afghan voices at the table would indicate a lack of national unity. The talks, initiated by the UN in May 2023, aim to enhance international coordination on engaging with the Taliban authorities, who overthrew a Western-backed government during their rise to power. Notably, the Taliban government has yet to receive official recognition from any state, and the international community has struggled to determine its approach to Afghanistan’s new rulers. Women’s rights issues have emerged as a key point of contention for many countries. Notably, the Taliban authorities were not invited to the first talks in Doha last year and declined to participate in the second conference, demanding to be the sole Afghan representatives to the exclusion of invited civil society groups. This condition has been met for the third round of talks. While reiterating the Taliban government’s desire for positive relations with all countries, Mujahid clarified that ‘no major or key discussions’ would occur in Doha. Instead, the meeting serves as an opportunity for exchanging viewpoints, particularly with Western nations. The agenda will encompass combating narcotics and economic matters, crucial topics for authorities in the impoverished nation. Mujahid highlighted the need to address hurdles hindering economic development, emphasizing that a thriving economy would facilitate solutions to other issues.
