Afghanistan Peace Campaign
In the third session of the Doha talks, the United Nations Secretary-General rebutted claims by a Taliban spokesperson regarding the lifting of certain banking restrictions imposed on the group.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, informed Afghan media that the issue had been discussed, but no decision had been reached during the Doha meeting.
She clarified that sanctions removal does not fall under the UN’s mandate but is a decision for individual countries. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated on Al Jazeera that commitments were made at the Doha meeting to ease economic and banking restrictions.
DiCarlo emphasized that the UN only discussed sanctions and that the Taliban expressed concerns about their impact on the private sector and drug-related issues.
Regarding women’s rights, the Taliban refrains from discussing topics such as women’s right to education, work, and political participation, stating these are internal matters and part of Afghanistan’s culture. DiCarlo countered by affirming that Afghanistan has signed international conventions over the years and must adhere to them.
DiCarlo also addressed the invitation of women to future talks, clarifying that it is not within her authority to make decisions. She urged the Taliban to work beyond drug trafficking issues and to promote women’s and girls’ participation and ethnic group equality.
DiCarlo avoided commenting on “gender apartheid” at the Doha talks, stating it’s a legal issue not discussed there. Instead, she emphasized concerns like girls’ education, Afghanistan’s diversity, and the necessity for inclusive governance.
During the Doha meetings, discussions also covered drug production and alternative cultivation methods. The UN representative acknowledged the Taliban’s efforts against drug trafficking but highlighted challenges in implementing substitutes and treating addiction effectively.