Human Rights Watch calls for Afghan women’s consultation in new representative appointment
Heather Barr, Deputy Head of the Women’s Rights Watch of the United Nations, has called for the consideration of women’s demands in Afghanistan when appointing a Special Representative for the organization. He has urged consultations with women in this regard.
He also emphasized that the Special Representative appointed for Afghanistan must possess “expertise and credibility” in women’s rights, as stated in a message posted on the Women’s Rights Activists’ page.
The Deputy Head of the Women’s Rights Watch of the United Nations added that this representative should continuously engage with women in their work.
Taranam Saeedi, the leader of the Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network, expressed hope in a conversation with Khaama Press that the representative appointed for Afghanistan must pay attention to the voices of women. She also stressed that the international community should respect the efforts of Afghan women and recognize them as credible and trustworthy representatives.
She emphasized that this representative should possess qualities such as a deep understanding of Afghan issues, recognition of gender apartheid, strong communication and interaction abilities, conflict resolution skills, ethics, justice, and flexibility.
Previously, the United Nations Security Council had called for the appointment of a Special Representative for Afghanistan to assess the proposals made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations regarding the situation in Afghanistan through a resolution.
This report was prepared by Feridun Sinirlioğlu, the Special Coordinator of the United Nations for Afghanistan, with a forward-looking approach.
Additionally, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban, had stated during a meeting with the Charge d’Affaires of the British Embassy for Afghanistan that the proposal for the appointment of a specific representative by the United Nations for Afghanistan is not suitable.
It is worth mentioning that the United Nations, women’s rights advocacy organizations, and various countries worldwide have consistently emphasized the presence and participation of women in various sectors in Afghanistan.
The United Nations Security Council had also stated in a statement that entrusting the seat of representation of Afghanistan in the United Nations and other international interactions to the Taliban without the presence of Afghan women in the leadership of the government in this country is not possible.
In their statement, the organization noted that the fundamental rights of women and girls, including the right to education, work, and representation in public and political life, are not only fundamental obligations of a government but are also essential for the long-term capacity of governments and continued economic growth.
Meanwhile, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, announced that representatives from Afghan women, civil society, and some countries would participate in a consultative UN meeting on Afghanistan in Doha.
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