Participants of the third Vienna meeting, concluding on Tuesday, said they have developed a roadmap aimed at overcoming Afghanistan’s current crisis and instigating positive and rapid change in the nation’s situation.
The Vienna Conference for a Democratic Afghanistan, conducted at the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogues from December 3rd to 5th, 2023, addressed concerns surrounding the Taliban’s rule and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with a focus on fulfilling the fundamental aspirations of the Afghan people.
“We seek international support for this roadmap and the participation of Afghan organizations, figures, and political parties in this process,” said the declaration.
The declaration highlighted the participants’ commitment to democracy, human rights, and national unity as the foundational principles for establishing a democratic and representative political system in Afghanistan.
Emphasizing the importance of international support, the declaration urged the active involvement of the United Nations in facilitating the political process and the development of a national program to address the current situation in Afghanistan.
The participants expressed unequivocal support for the people’s struggle for self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and their right to self-defense due to the gross violation of human rights in Afghanistan.
The declaration underscored the aim to establish a peaceful governance system based on the free will of all the people, supporting their just struggle against the Taliban’s tyranny.
Addressing global concerns, the participants called for coordinated efforts by regional and global countries to combat terrorism, aligning with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and international conventions.
The declaration emphasized the need for documenting and addressing human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan.
The participants urged the United Nations, human rights organizations, and international criminal courts to play an active role in this process, stating that the recognition and dissemination of findings are crucial for ensuring justice.
Furthermore, the participants called on Muslim nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to support women’s struggles and take a clear stance against the misinterpretation of Islam by the Taliban.
The Vienna meeting marked the third such gathering outside Afghanistan in less than a month.
In response, the Taliban’s deputy foreign minister characterized these meetings as attempts to “weaken” their established political structure.
