UN Secretary General António Guterres emphasized the need for the inclusion of all ethnic groups in power structures in Afghanistan, saying that it is important that everyone is represented.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Guterres also emphasized the need to ensure human rights in Afghanistan, in particular women and girls’ rights, the right of women to work, and the right of girls to attend school at all levels without discrimination.
“There are several clear things that we believe the Taliban must deliver from the point of view of the interests of the international community and from the point of view of the interests of Afghanistan itself,” Guterres said.
“One thing that they must deliver in relation to the inclusion in the power structures in Afghanistan. We have different ethnic groups, and it’s important that all ethnic groups are represented,” Guterres added. “A second aspect in relation to human rights, in particular women and girls’ rights, the right of women to work, the right of girls to attend school at all levels without discrimination.”
He also hinted at the possible presence of terrorist outfits in Afghanistan and said such groups need to be stopped.
“There is another clear ask from the international community, which is for Afghanistan to stop all forms of activity of terrorist organizations that from Afghanistan represent a threat to neighboring countries, including Pakistan,” the UN chief said.
He said the United Nations is “actively engaged” in talks with the Taliban about the issue of terrorist groups’ activities in Afghanistan.
“We consider that it is absolutely essential for the Taliban not to allow any form of terrorist activity that might have an impact in relation to Pakistan, as in relation to any other country of the region,” Guterres reiterated.
