Gulf Cooperation Council calls for protection of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

The Gulf Cooperation Council urged Afghanistan to protect women’s rights, ensure education and work opportunities, and safeguard vulnerable communities.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during its 164th ministerial meeting in Kuwait released a statement emphasizing the urgent need to guarantee women’s rights to education and employment in Afghanistan. The statement also highlighted the protection of minority groups as a critical priority.

The GCC ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait convened on June 2 to discuss regional security and humanitarian issues. Their joint declaration stressed the importance of restoring peace and stability within Afghanistan.

In the statement, the GCC unequivocally condemned the use of Afghanistan territory by terrorist groups or for drug trafficking activities. The council urged all parties to ensure that Afghanistan’s soil is not exploited for such destructive purposes.

The ministers expressed their solidarity with the Afghanistan people in combating terrorism in all its forms. They reiterated the necessity of enhancing security and political stability to foster sustainable development in Afghanistan.

Moreover, the GCC praised ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts by its member countries and underlined the need for continued international humanitarian, economic, and development assistance to alleviate the hardships faced by the Afghanistan population.

The GCC’s call for safeguarding women’s rights and minority protections aligns with broader international concerns regarding Afghanistan’s future. The council’s emphasis on peace, security, and humanitarian aid highlights the critical role regional cooperation plays in addressing Afghanistan’s complex challenges.

Sustained international engagement, alongside regional support, remains vital to promote stability and human rights in Afghanistan, ensuring the country does not relapse into conflict or become a safe haven for terrorism or illicit activities.

Gulf Cooperation Council calls for protection of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
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Pakistan to chair UN Security Council Taliban Sanctions Committee

 

Pakistan will now chair the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, overseeing sanctions related to the Taliban’s activities and influence.

Reports indicate that Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been appointed as the new chair of the 1988 Sanctions Committee. This committee, responsible for monitoring sanctions imposed on the Taliban, was previously headed by Ecuador’s representative, José Javier de la Gasca, until December 31, 2024.

This leadership change comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts, particularly from China, to engage with the Taliban administration, raising questions about Pakistan’s role in managing these sanctions. The 1988 Sanctions Committee oversees measures such as travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes on Taliban members.

Decisions within the committee are made by consensus among the 15 permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. This appointment coincides with Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. According to the Economic Times, this shift in leadership has sparked concerns regarding Pakistan’s impartiality in enforcing the sanctions, especially due to its historical support for the Taliban.

Pakistan was accepted as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term earlier this year. This new position gives Pakistan the opportunity to exert pressure on the Taliban, encouraging them to combat “terrorism” and groups it claims are supported by the Taliban and conducting attacks on Pakistani soil.

Pakistani officials have consistently stated that attacks on its territory are organized from Afghanistan, which is under Taliban control. However, the Taliban has denied these allegations in the past, continuing to reject Pakistan’s claims regarding cross-border attacks.

Pakistan has previously indicated that members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are present in Afghanistan. The country has urged the Afghan Taliban to cooperate in addressing this issue and combat the presence of these militants.

Recently, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for closer cooperation with the Taliban. On June 3, Sharif warned against allowing Afghanistan’s territory to be used by proxy forces, particularly from India, for “terrorist activities” against Pakistan.

In his speech during a visit to Peshawar with senior security officials, Sharif stressed Pakistan’s determination to eliminate what he termed the “Khwarij menace” and the “India-backed terrorist network,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to securing its borders and fighting terrorism.

While the sanctions committee plays a critical role in maintaining global security, the leadership change and Pakistan’s position in both the UN and its regional relations raise questions about the effectiveness and neutrality of the committee’s actions.

 

Pakistan to chair UN Security Council Taliban Sanctions Committee
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MoU Signed to Boost Mining Cooperation in Afghanistan

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment officials describe Afghanistan’s mineral resources as the national wealth of the Afghan people.

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance facilitation and coordination between the private sector and the ministry in the extraction and processing of Afghanistan’s mines.

Officials consider this MoU crucial for resolving major challenges faced by mining contractors and for increasing coordination between the private sector and the ministry regarding the protection and utilization of mineral resources.

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment officials describe Afghanistan’s mineral resources as the national wealth of the Afghan people, emphasizing that protecting and properly utilizing these resources is a shared responsibility of the government, the private sector, and the people.

Mohammad Younus Mohmand, first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated: “The mines are our national wealth. Protecting and properly processing the mines is the duty of every Afghan. It’s not our responsibility how the mines are obtained, but rather how we process them properly so that their benefits reach all of Afghanistan.”

Khanjan Alokozai, head of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said: “We act as a bridge between the government and traders. Our role is to connect reputable traders who have love for their country, capital, and resources with the ministry.”

Abdul Rahman Qanit, Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum, also stated that the ministry strives to ensure the proper management of Afghanistan’s mines with national interests in mind. He assured mining contractors and private sector representatives that the current challenges will be addressed.

Abdul Rahman Qanit added: “These mines, which are now the responsibility of the ministry and the private sector, must be used wisely and employed in public-benefit projects.”

Increased coordination, enhanced facilitation, reduction of customs tariffs on mineral products, easing the transportation of minerals—especially from airports—and facilitating access to precious and semi-precious stone mines are among the main demands of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum’s contractors.

MoU Signed to Boost Mining Cooperation in Afghanistan
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Australia advises citizens against traveling to Afghanistan

Australia warns its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan due to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention under Taliban rule.

The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan under Taliban control, citing extremely dangerous security conditions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 3, the ministry warned of a very high risk of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul.

According to the ministry, no location in Afghanistan can be considered safe from the threat of attacks, highlighting the pervasive security dangers across the country.

Foreign nationals in Afghanistan also face the serious risk of arbitrary detention, the ministry added, increasing concerns for the safety of foreigners in the country.

This travel advisory follows similar warnings from other countries that have previously recommended their citizens avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to escalating security risks.

Experts from international security organizations have emphasized that the volatile situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, with ongoing violence and instability limiting humanitarian access and endangering civilians.

In light of these challenges, travelers are strongly advised to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel to Afghanistan, as the security environment remains unpredictable and hazardous.

Australia advises citizens against traveling to Afghanistan
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Afghans Waiting in ‘Third Countries’ for US Immigration Face Uncertainty

Many of these individuals currently reside in Pakistan, but at the same time, obtaining residency visas there has become increasingly difficult.

A number of Afghans holding US immigration cases are once again expressing concern about their uncertain fate while living in third countries.

Thousands of Afghans who fled to neighboring countries hoping for relocation to the United States after the political changes in Afghanistan are now complaining about various hardships and an uncertain, exhausting situation.

One Afghan, who requested anonymity, said that the problems and concerns of refugees living in Pakistan have increased. He urged the US government to announce a policy soon regarding these refugees so they can be freed from this prolonged wait and uncertain condition.

Many of these individuals currently reside in Pakistan, but at the same time, obtaining residency visas there has become increasingly difficult. Temporary stays have expired, and Pakistan’s refugee agency has imposed stricter conditions.

Another US immigration applicant, also speaking anonymously, said: “Our problems have significantly increased, and we ask the US to expedite the processing of P2 and P1 cases.” Another Afghan refugee stated: “We demand that the US put an end to the plight of Afghan refugees and restart the relocation process.”

Meanwhile, refugee rights activists believe there should be a fair resolution regarding the fate of those with pending US immigration cases. Mohammad Jamal Muslim, a refugee rights activist, said: “Solutions to refugee issues must be sought through diplomatic means that serve the interests of the humanitarian community. International donors and politicians are exploiting the situation, and refugees must be rescued from their influence.”

On his first day in office, the US president signed an executive order suspending the US refugee program and handed over the responsibility of reviewing the process to the State Department.

Afghans Waiting in ‘Third Countries’ for US Immigration Face Uncertainty
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Germany Rules Out Diplomatic Relations with Islamic Emirate

German media reported that the ministry emphasized that contacts are maintained only at a “technical” level.

On Monday, the German Foreign Ministry, responding to reports about contact with the Islamic Emirate, stated that there are no plans to establish diplomatic or political relations with Afghanistan’s interim government.

German media reported that the ministry emphasized that contacts are maintained only at a “technical” level.

A statement from the German Foreign Ministry read: “There are no plans on the part of the German government to engage in political contact with the Taliban. However, technical-level contact has been maintained.”

Najib-ur-Rahman Shamal, a political analyst, said: “Due to concerns from the German Foreign Ministry, all German aid to Afghanistan remains limited to technical and logistical support because of the non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate. This is a concern for them. We hope that based on requests from the international community, Germany, and other international institutions, fundamental reforms in governance and the government structure will take place to pave the way for broader engagement between Afghanistan and the global community, including European countries and Germany.”

Although Germany and other European countries currently refrain from establishing official relations with the Islamic Emirate, experts believe that targeted and conditional engagement could help reduce the humanitarian crisis and open the door for real dialogue between Afghanistan and the international community.

Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria, a political analyst, said: “At present, Afghanistan urgently needs to establish and expand diplomatic relations with European Union countries, especially Germany. Germany is one of the world’s industrial powers and has a deep influence within the EU and globally. Strong relations between Afghanistan and Germany would greatly benefit Afghanistan.”

Wais Naseri, another political analyst, stated: “From the perspective of international engagement, there is practical interaction, but official recognition of the current Afghan government is not on the agenda of any country, not Germany, not Russia, not China, not Pakistan, nor any other country, until the Taliban meet the world’s four main conditions: human rights, and rights for women and girls.”

Since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, most countries, including Germany, have suspended their diplomatic activities in Afghanistan.

Germany Rules Out Diplomatic Relations with Islamic Emirate
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UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis

Political and human rights experts view the upcoming Security Council meeting as important but insufficient to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

The United Nations Security Council has announced it will hold a meeting on the 23rd of this month to review the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

According to the Security Council’s statement, special briefings will be delivered by Roza Otunbayeva, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for Afghanistan, Sima Bahous, head of UN Women, and officials from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The meeting will primarily focus on the humanitarian aid situation in Afghanistan.

The UN Security Council’s statement reads: “In June, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on Afghanistan.”

Ahmad Khan Andar, a political analyst, said: “Any meeting held by the UN, its various agencies, neighboring countries, and the world regarding Afghanistan’s current political and economic situation brings us satisfaction, as it shows the world has not forgotten our people and country. However, the UN, despite Afghanistan’s long-standing membership, has been passive over the past half-century during wars and occupations.”

Political and human rights experts view the upcoming Security Council meeting as important but insufficient to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

They noted that the presence of figures like Roza Otunbayeva and Sima Bahous highlights the UN’s focus on women’s rights, humanitarian issues, and aid delivery. However, they argue that without engagement between the international community and the Islamic Emirate, such meetings will not lead to positive outcomes.

Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy, a political analyst, said: “So far, the Security Council has only focused on highlighting the Islamic Emirate’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, it has overlooked the real suffering of the Afghan people and the country’s urgent needs.”

Idris Mohammadi Zazai, another political expert, said: “If the Security Council engages with the Islamic Emirate in any form and Afghanistan reconnects with the world, I believe these problems will gradually be resolved.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has again emphasized that representatives of the interim government should be included in such meetings.

It is worth noting that the last Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, held three months ago, ended with the extension of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate until March 17, 2026, following a month of consultations.

UN Security Council to Hold Meeting on Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis
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Racism and Rampant Violence against Afghan refugees in Iran

Khaama Press

Rampant racism and violence against Afghan refugees in Iran continue unchecked, causing fear and suffering among vulnerable refugee communities.

A disturbing video recently circulated on social media shows two young Iranian men in a car chasing an Afghan teenager in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. The car appears to be deliberately attempting to run over the boy, who is riding a bicycle.

In the footage, one of the passengers is heard shouting racist and threatening remarks, encouraging the driver to hit the teenager. Phrases like “Run him over, Afghans have no blood money!” clearly incite violence and reveal deeply rooted discriminatory attitudes.

The chilling scene, reportedly recorded on Seyed Jamaluddin Asadabadi Street in Bandar Abbas, ends with the Afghan boy managing to escape by riding onto the sidewalk to save himself from potential harm.

The video has triggered a wave of outrage on social media, reigniting public discussion on racism and violence against Afghan migrants in Iran. Many users condemned the act as yet another sign of the rising xenophobic atmosphere in the country.

This is not the first instance of violence against Afghan migrants. Previous incidents, including a widely-shared video showing an Iranian police officer pressing his knee on the neck of another Afghan teenager, have drawn severe criticism and comparisons to the George Floyd case in the United States.

Activists and social media users have condemned these acts as examples of institutional racism and systemic abuse. They are calling for an end to forced deportations, better protection of migrant rights, and accountability for those involved in acts of violence.

The anti-Afghan sentiment has also been intensified through media outlets and online campaigns. Nationalist slogans like “Deport Afghans, a national demand” and the spread of false narratives linking Afghan migrants to crimes have further fueled hostility and division.

The Taliban regime has remained silent, failing to defend Afghan refugees in Iran or condemn rising racist violence against the citizens of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghan refugees—many of whom fled war and insecurity in their homeland—continue to live in Iran without basic legal protections or refugee recognition. They face systemic discrimination, limited access to services, and increasing social marginalization.

Experts argue that the absence of official condemnation from the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Taliban embassy in Tehran enables such violence to persist. They stress that fighting racism requires not only legal measures but also public awareness campaigns and the dismantling of hate-driven narratives to prevent further cycles of violence and discrimination.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of Afghan migrants in Iran. As social tensions rise, both Iranian authorities and international actors must address the structural causes of xenophobia and implement meaningful reforms to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality. Without decisive action, such episodes of hate-fueled violence may continue to erode the moral and legal foundations of a just society.

 

Racism and Rampant Violence against Afghan refugees in Iran
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Review of Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” Plan at Stockholm Conference

Khaama Press

A conference in Stockholm reviewed Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” plan, aiming to create an inclusive political and social future for the country.

The research and policy center Lajward Yoli together with the Citizens’ Party of Afghanistan recently organized the National Conference on the Future of Afghanistan in Stockholm, Sweden. This important gathering brought together prominent Afghan political figures, civil society activists, and scholars living in exile.

The main focus of the conference was the discussion of the “Afghanistan Mosaic” plan — a proposed framework aiming to establish an inclusive political and social structure for the country’s future. Participants engaged in extensive consultations on various aspects of the plan, working to identify solutions for overcoming challenges in its implementation.

The Mosaic Plan for Afghanistan was proposed by the United Nations as part of its efforts to support peacebuilding and political stability in the country. It aims to create an inclusive and representative government that reflects Afghanistan’s diverse society and addresses ongoing conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.

Conference organizer Aliya Yilmaz emphasized in an interview with Hasht-e-Subh newspaper that Afghanistan needs a new social contract, one that dismantles power monopolies and guarantees equal rights for all citizens. She described the event as a platform for different groups to exchange ideas and build a shared vision for Afghanistan’s future.

Some participants critically reviewed the United Nations’ Afghanistan Mosaic plan, expressing diverse perspectives on its strengths and weaknesses. The conference echoed concerns raised previously during a meeting in Antalya, Turkey, where democratic and civil groups criticized the plan for insufficiently addressing Afghanistan’s complex social and political realities.

Afghanistan continues to face severe political, economic, and social challenges. Attendees expressed hope that such dialogues can foster national consensus and contribute to a sustainable path toward peace and stability.

Furthermore, international organizations and diplomatic bodies have repeatedly called on all Afghan stakeholders to commit to dialogue and cooperation. The United Nations, along with regional partners, urges the formation of a government that respects human rights, ensures equal participation, and addresses the aspirations of all citizens, especially marginalized groups like women and minorities.

Review of Afghanistan’s “Mosaic” Plan at Stockholm Conference
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Over 5M Refugees Return as Deportations Rise, Aid Declines

Ministry’s spokesperson, said that in just the past two months of the current year, 268,000 Afghans have been deported and returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that since the return of the Islamic Emirate to power in Afghanistan, more than 5.097 million Afghan citizens have returned from neighboring countries.

Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that in just the past two months of the current year, 268,000 Afghans have been deported and returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said: “Additionally, 2,385,109 single individuals have returned separately from their families, making a total of 5,097,373 returnees.”

Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that in the past two months alone, more than 500,000 Afghans have been returned from Iran and Pakistan.

The agency added that due to the reduction in international aid, Afghanistan is facing a crisis and that the return process should be conducted with dignity, voluntarily, and under safe conditions.

A part of the UNHCR report states: “In just 2 months, 500,000 Afghans were forcibly returned home. Returns must be safe, voluntary & dignified. Afghanistan is pushed to the brink as aid dwindles. Support is needed more than ever as returnees face an uncertain future & struggle to rebuild their lives.”

Hadi Hosseini, a migrant in Iran, said: “These days, the deportation of Afghans has increased significantly. Those who have census documents must get an exit permit. They are given 15 days, after which they are transferred to a camp, and the camps are very overcrowded.”

Atiqullah Mansoor, a migrant in Pakistan, said: “The deportation of undocumented migrants from the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab continues. The reduction of UNHCR aid and challenges in renewing immigration visas have greatly worried Afghan migrants.”

Previously, the UNHCR had also expressed concerns about the mass deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries amid a severe reduction in aid.

Over 5M Refugees Return as Deportations Rise, Aid Declines
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