Sources report that the United Nations plans to host a meeting on Afghanistan in Qatar within the next month. Preparations are ongoing, and the meeting is expected to include special representatives from various countries, sources added.
Discussions at the meeting will center on appointing a United Nations representative for Afghanistan and the country’s political situation. Women’s groups are advocating for their representatives to be present.
While the exact date is not yet confirmed, The National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan has issued a statement requesting the participation of its members.
Abdullah Qarluq, a council member, expressed hope for the involvement of the Supreme Council of Resistance and other Afghan parties, aiming for significant decisions regarding Afghanistan’s future.
Key issues for Afghan women, including the Taliban’s restrictions against women and girls and arrests for non-compliance with the Taliban’s hijab requirements, are expected to be addressed comprehensively.
Suraya Paikan, a women’s rights activist, emphasized the need for the UN’s special representative to thoroughly assess Afghanistan’s realities and provide necessary documentation for resolving the crisis, particularly concerning human rights.
Hadia Sahibzada, a human rights activist, called for an in-depth evaluation of the Taliban’s policies, including the situation of imprisoned women and journalists.
Media restrictions and the detention of journalists are additional concerns journalists hope the UN will address. Samia Walizadeh, Head of Communications and Litigation Committee of the Afghanistan Journalists Center, urged for a defender of free expression and the enforcement of media laws in Afghanistan.
The upcoming meeting, expected to be hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Doha this February, will be the second gathering of special representatives. It aims to review the current situation in Afghanistan and proposals from Feridun Sinirlioglu, with a vote on the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan.
The United Nations hosted a similar meeting on Afghanistan last year.
