UN Official, Civil Society Activists Discuss Human Rights, Girls’ Education

Following this meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo said in a press conference that building trust among all parties is necessary; therefore, all voices must be heard.

DiCarlo said eight civil activists from Afghanistan attended the meeting.

Rosemary DiCarlo told journalists, “This morning, we heard views from members of Afghan civil society, women and men, who provided us – the special envoys and the UN – with valuable insights on the rights of women and minorities in the country, girls’ education, the media, business and many other issues. They shared their views and perspectives on the Doha process, as well as on engagement between Afghanistan and the international community generally.”

Speaking during a press conference after the meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized trust-building among parties in Afghanistan.

She added that the meetings held are part of the Secretary-General’s independent evaluation process, which emphasizes a coordinated and systematic approach.

“As I said at the meeting this morning and in talks with the de facto authorities, there is a need to build trust on all sides. We have to have a dialogue that’s built on honesty,” she added.

However, the head of the Islamic Emirate delegation had this to say about the meeting: “Our meetings in Doha have concluded. They were planned for two days, which have now ended. Some representatives left today, and others will leave tomorrow. Future meetings do not concern us.”

The third Doha meeting on Afghanistan concluded amid criticisms about the absence of women’s representatives and Afghan civil society activists.

Human rights organizations criticized the exclusion of Afghan women’s representatives from the third Doha meeting before it was held.