New Delhi: A group of Afghan women have called for better representation for their country, urging the United Nations to stop the Taliban from securing a seat in the world body.
Afghan women speak during a visit to the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
Fauzia Kufi, a former Afghan politician and peace negotiator, stressed “it’s too simple”, saying: “The UN needs to give that seat to someone who respects the rights of everyone in Afghanistan.”
“We are talked about a lot, but we are not listened to,” Kufi told reporters outside the UN Security Council in New York.
“Aid, money, recognition – these are all leverage that the world should use for inclusion, with respect to women’s rights, to respect the rights of all,” she said.
Former politician Nahid Farid, who was among those who visited the organisation’s headquarters, expressed his disappointment over the Taliban not keeping the promise.
He said, “When the Taliban captured Afghanistan…
Former diplomat Asila Vardak and journalist Anissa Shaheed also accompanied Kufi and Fareed to the UN headquarters.
Vardak urged nations to put pressure on the Taliban to “execute their word” when it comes to women’s rights.
“If you’re going to give them a seat, there have to be conditions,” said the former diplomat.
It comes as the United Nations is considering rival claims representing the war-torn nation after the Taliban came to power.
The Taliban has named Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as its ambassador to the United Nations.
On the other hand, Ghulam Isakzai, the UN envoy representing the government ousted by the Taliban, is seeking to remain in the country’s seat.
Noting that “women and girls in Afghanistan are pinning their hopes and dreams to this council and world body to help them reclaim their rights to work, travel and go to school”, Isakzai said told the 15-member council: “It will be morally. It is reprehensible if we do nothing and let them down.”
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