The United Nations meeting with representatives of Afghan civil society and women, held on the sidelines of the Doha Peace Conference, has concluded.
Deputy UN Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo described the session as “useful” in the closing conference, emphasizing the Taliban authorities’ reluctance to engage with Afghan civil society and women.
DiCarlo, who led the side event with Afghan women, acknowledged the dialogue among Afghan stakeholders, noting that the Taliban representatives were unprepared to engage with Afghan civil society and women.
She called the three-hour session with Afghan civil society and women “constructive and beneficial,” highlighting discussions on women’s rights, minorities, media, civil society, and other pertinent issues.
The UN deputy stressed the “privacy” of participants from Afghanistan in this session, refraining from disclosing their identities despite widespread criticisms and symbolic refusals by several individuals invited by the UN due to the perceived tokenism of the event.
Criticism has surrounded the event, questioning the legitimacy of those who accepted the UN’s invitation, including prominent women and civil society members active in various aspects of women’s rights.
In her post-side event press conference in Doha, Rosemary DiCarlo affirmed, “We respect the privacy of participants and do not disclose their names unless they wish to do so themselves.”
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