By Charlotte Greenfield and Mohammad Yunus Yawar

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.