Kazakhstan Removes Taliban From Its Terrorist Organisation’s List

The Centre emphasises that normalising relations with the Taliban should be contingent upon adherence to human rights and women's rights in Afghanistan.

The report criticises the Taliban's repressive decrees against women and girls, noting that over fifty decrees have drastically curtailed freedom of thought, expression, and employment opportunities. Additionally, the report underscores the ongoing threat to civilians from other armed extremist groups in the region, referencing UN data that over 3,774 civilians have been killed or injured between August 15, 2021 and May 30, 2023.

It also details the abuse and violence against women and girls, including the Hazara community, following arbitrary detentions by the Taliban.

The report mentions attacks on Shiite sites, highlighting the systematic targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Shiite Hazaras. This targeting underscores the Taliban's failure or reluctance to protect vulnerable groups.

The Centre expressed concern over the absence of independent national bodies to document human rights violations, following the dismantling of crucial institutions like the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.

The report called on the Taliban to fulfil all international human rights obligations and suggested that they undertake serious measures to prevent further human rights violations. Additionally, it stresses on the importance of Taliban cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Kalla conveyed this during his Sunday meeting with Taliban officials in Kabul. The statement quoted Kalla as saying that Indonesia's desire to "invest in various sectors, including education and mining," would require the Taliban's cooperation.

This stance comes even though the Taliban, since their return to power, have banned the education and employment of girls and women.
Indonesia, one of the largest Islamic nations, has consistently urged the Taliban over the past three years to allow girls to be educated.

Following the Taliban's education ban, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry expressed hope for a policy reversal from the Taliban to ensure access to education for all, including women and girls, emphasising its critical role in Afghanistan's future.

During his visit on Monday with Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister in Kabul, Kalla highlighted that Indonesia would offer educational opportunities for Afghan youth.

According to the Taliban's statement, Hanafi welcomed Indonesia's willingness to invest in diverse sectors across Afghanistan, affirming that the Taliban would provide all necessary facilities. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's Foreign Minister, in his meeting with the Indonesian delegation, expressed the group's eagerness to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian countries.

These units are tasked with carrying out special operations to ensure the Taliban leader’s security in Kandahar.

Mohammad Ali Hanafi, known as "Mullah Shirin Akhund," a close and trusted associate of Akhundzada, made the request.

On Sunday, the governor's office in Kandahar announced that a delegation led by Hamidullah Akhundzada from the Interior Ministry assessed the special units.

The delegation spent a week reviewing the units' military training, weapons, and equipment.

Previously, sources indicated that nearly seven thousand personnel are part of these special units in Kandahar, tasked with protecting Akhundzada, the Taliban leader.

These units are also responsible for ensuring the security of Kandahar during sensitive times.

These initiatives include the registration and deportation of undocumented migrants, tightening border controls, reforming visa issuance, and regulating the employment of foreign nationals.

On Saturday, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that these plans would be implemented concurrently. Mobini stated, "With optimal integrated management, we can organise foreign nationals in accordance with the policies of the Council for Policy and Coordination of Foreign Nationals and Migrants."

Following the Taliban's seizure of power on 15 August 2021, a surge of Afghan migrants crossed into Iran. Nearly three years later, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repatriated thousands of Afghan migrants back to Afghanistan.

According to Iranian authorities, 1.3 million undocumented migrants were deported from the country last year. Human rights activists have raised consistent concerns about the mistreatment of Afghan migrants by Iranian security forces, systemic discrimination against them, and their lack of access to essential services.

Majidi dismissed reports of the forced relocation of approximately 70 Ismaili families as "baseless."

According to the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency, the Ismailis of Baghlan have agreed to relinquish their residential area to the Taliban.

Majidi did not disclose where these families would be relocated or whether they would receive compensation for the demolition of their homes.

Earlier, the Afghan Embassy in Italy issued a statement on Wednesday indicating that the Taliban intend to forcibly relocate about 70 Ismaili families from Pul-e-Khumri. The embassy's statement noted that the Taliban had set a deadline for these families to vacate their homes by the "third day of Eid al-Adha."

The statement further mentioned that the Taliban is exerting pressure to coerce the followers of the Shia Ismaili sect to convert to Sunni Islam.

According to information from the Afghan Embassy in Italy, these Ismaili families "have been residing in the outskirts of Pul-e-Khumri for the past 30 years." Khalid Zakaria, the Afghan Ambassador to Italy, noted that "these families are in a poor economic condition and lack the means to relocate elsewhere."