If the de facto authorities in Afghanistan want long-term peace and development in the country, they must lift the restrictions imposed on women and girls, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Doha, where the International Conference on Afghanistan took place with representatives from several countries, Avesta reports.
Speaking to journalists during the two-day meeting in Doha, Guterres stated that the participants, including special envoys on Afghanistan at national and regional levels, reached a consensus on an action plan.
However, representatives of the Taliban did not participate in the negotiations.
"We want Afghanistan to live in peace, both domestically and with neighboring countries, and to be able to assume the commitments of a sovereign state to the international community, its neighbors, and the rights of its own population," said the UN chief.
He added that conference delegates had achieved a mutual understanding on necessary steps and highlighted proposals outlined in an independent review conducted in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2679.
According to Guterres, the authors of the review addressed all major problem areas. In particular, they recommended taking measures to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a "breeding ground" for terrorist activities. Additionally, the review emphasizes the crucial role of respecting human rights, especially those of women and girls, and the establishment of an inclusive state.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 20, 2024