Afghan Women Excluded From High-Level Taliban Talks In Qatar

In this handout photo released by Taliban Prime Minister Media Office, China's new ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Sheng shakes hand with Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund, left, during the

Afghan women were excluded from attending high-level meetings between the Taliban and United Nations leaders and special envoys in Qatar on Sunday. The Taliban insisted on the exclusion of women as a condition for their participation. The director of Global Friends of Afghanistan criticized the diplomatic community for accommodating terrorist demands, highlighting the dire situation faced by Afghan women under the Taliban's rule.

The discussions at the meetings focused on private sector growth, financing, banking restrictions, and drug trafficking. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid led the delegation of Afghanistan's de facto authorities. Following the meetings, special envoys were scheduled to meet with Afghan women and civil society members.

The U.N. assured that human rights, particularly women's and girls' rights, would be raised in discussions with the Taliban. However, there were concerns about addressing specific repressive Taliban policies such as forced veiling and restrictions on women's education and travel.

The U.S. participants, including Special Representative for Afghanistan and Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, emphasized the importance of meaningful engagement with Afghan women and civil society.

Discussions focused on private sector growth, financing, banking restrictions, and drug trafficking.

The Taliban excluded Afghan women from high-level meetings in Qatar.

The U.N. assured that human rights, especially women's rights, would be discussed with the Taliban.

The Taliban reiterated that women's issues were internal matters to be addressed within the framework of Islamic Sharia. Reports of human rights abuses against women in Taliban-controlled areas, including public floggings and allegations of rape in prisons, have raised international concerns.

While the Taliban claimed that girls have access to education, questions remain about the quality and extent of educational opportunities for girls in Afghanistan. Journalists investigating Taliban crimes against women have faced intimidation and censorship.

The Taliban's exclusion from previous summits and their refusal to participate in certain conferences indicate ongoing challenges in engaging with the group. The U.N. emphasized that meetings with the Taliban do not imply official recognition or legitimization of their rule.