Taliban's Actions Will Reduce World's Interest in Doha Meet, Says UN Deputy Secy General

UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo warned that the Doha process is in danger of being halted due to the Taliban's non-compliance with its commitments.

She said at a meeting on Monday that the international community expects the Taliban to participate in the process in good faith.

The meeting on the status of women was held in New York in the presence of the UN Secretary-General and some of the member states of this organisation.

Referring to the Taliban's Law on the Promotion of Virtue, Di Carlo said, "The countries participating in the Doha meetings are willing to continue this process, but the passage of the Law on the Promotion of Virtue reduces their willingness to participate in the Doha meetings, and there is a risk that it will be stopped."

"Those involved in the process want it to continue, but they expect the Taliban to fulfil their international obligations in good faith. Interaction is key," she added.

She also stressed on the need to increase pressure on the Taliban, saying that countries must act on what they say. "If we want the Taliban to take us seriously, we have to keep our word," DiCarlo added.

The third Doha Conference on Afghanistan was held under the chairmanship of Di Carlo. During this meeting, the issue of human rights and women's rights was removed from the agenda of talks with the Taliban, and instead, representatives of the Taliban and the participating countries talked about the growth of the private sector and the fight against drugs in Afghanistan.

The United Nations hopes that the Doha meeting will become a platform for understanding and convincing the Taliban to change its policies. However, the Taliban have rejected any international demand to change their policies towards women.

Emphasising on the importance of dialogue and engagement, DiCarlo noted that the Taliban must fulfil their commitments.

The UN deputy secretary-general called on the Taliban to work towards inclusivity of government, respect for the rights of women, girls and human rights in general, and increase efforts to combat terrorism and counter narcotics.

She reiterated that if these commitments are implemented, the international community will gradually reduce its restrictions and provide development assistance to Afghanistan.
"To be honest, without these measures, the Taliban and Afghanistan cannot return to the international community," DiCarlo said.