The UN held a conference on Afghanistan, but the Taliban refused to participate

DOHA, Qatar – The Taliban this week sent a defiant message to Western countries, donors and Afghan women's groups, refusing to attend a conference organized by the United Nations to highlight the humanitarian crises facing Afghanistan and cooperation on discuss human rights issues.

The two-day conference, which started on Sunday, was the second of its kind. It was held to try to chart a course for international involvement in the country. But the Taliban objected to the participation of some groups in the meeting. The conference, attended by special envoys from 25 countries and regional organizations, aims to increase international engagement in Afghanistan and develop a more coordinated response to the challenges facing the war-torn country.

The Taliban, Afghanistan's de facto rulers since 2021, were invited to the conference, but at the last minute the group said they would not attend. In a statement, the Taliban's foreign ministry said it should be Afghanistan's sole official representative for talks with the international community and only then could it engage in frank discussions. Involving others would hinder progress, the statement said.

“This government of Afghanistan cannot be coerced by anyone,” the report said.

Representatives of Afghan civil society, women's groups, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization attended the conference. Afghan political opposition parties, including the National Resistance Front, which has a small armed wing, were not invited, although they had asked to attend.

The Taliban's decision, announced on the eve of the conference, appeared to be taken to avoid uncomfortable conversations with Afghans living outside the country who oppose the Taliban's exclusion of women, and with political opponents in Afghanistan , several delegates said.

“The Taliban's refusal to participate in the Doha Conference and engage in meaningful dialogue with all parties, especially with the courageous women of Afghanistan, shows the group's lack of interest in seeking a lasting political solution ,” said Fawzia Koofi, a former member of the Afghan government. parliament, according to a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

“Until last night I had hope,” said Mahbouba Seraj, a women's rights advocate. “We are divided into two halves. it is impossible to have half of Afghanistan here and the other half in Afghanistan.”

She criticized the Taliban for complaining that it was “unreasonable” to include Afghans who were not members of the Taliban in the conference.

Human rights groups and political opponents of the Taliban, who declared the country an Islamic emirate, say the Afghan government should allow a pluralistic political system and include women and ethnic minorities in its government.