The Islamic Emirate stated that holding meetings about Afghanistan’s affairs outside the country without the presence of an Afghan representative is ineffective.
Today, during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, is scheduled to present a report on the country’s humanitarian situation.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “Meetings held abroad without the participation of an Afghan representative are not in Afghanistan’s interest. They are merely media events and end without any tangible or beneficial outcomes for the Afghan people.”
Abdulnasir Shafiq, a political analyst, added: “Any meeting aimed at discussing Afghanistan should include a representative from the country. However, some meetings, held under the pretext of human rights, are organized solely to exert pressure on Afghanistan.”
Nevertheless, the European Union has announced that discussions on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the extension of Richard Bennett’s mandate will take place during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.
According to the agenda, on the first day of the session, Bennett’s report will focus on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Yousuf Amin Zazi, another political analyst, said: “The effectiveness of such meetings depends on how committed the participating countries are to human rights and humanitarian principles.”
Tafsir Siyahposh, a women’s rights activist, commented: “We don’t want these matters to remain at the level of slogans and rhetoric. If they truly wish to stand by the Afghan people, especially women, they must engage with the Islamic Emirate and take practical steps to help women break free from increasing restrictions.”
This session will run from today until July 9 at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
