Calls for Action
Establishing an online university dedicated to providing education for Afghan girls, facing discriminatory barriers imposed by the Taliban. Supporting Afghan journalists and free media.
Increasing pressure on the Taliban by sanctioning and prosecuting extremists involved in human rights violations, constituting crimes against humanity, particularly their systematic oppression of women, and supporting the establishment of a government in exile.
Transitioning from a focus on humanitarian aid and relief-oriented policies towards empowering the agriculture sector through robust support for the private sector is crucial. This shift aims to uplift local farmers, particularly women, fostering their economic independence. Given that 74% of the population resides in rural areas, this strategic move holds immense potential for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Main Outcome
The dire situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, marked by a humanitarian crisis, human rights violations, and gender apartheid, underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and accurate media portrayal to address the ongoing struggles faced by the Afghan people.
Criticism towards the international community centers on its inconsistency, abandonment of Afghan partners, and pursuit of geopolitical interests at the expense of Afghan people's rights and security. The exclusion of the Afghan government from the Doha process has compromised women's rights and empowered the Taliban.
Despite promises of amnesty, the Taliban's actions, including systematic killings and torture of former government employees, and the denial of basic rights to women, contradict their pledges and highlight the necessity for continued vigilance and accountability from the international community.
Political movements inside and outside Afghanistan must advocate for inclusive governance and human rights to shape a positive future for the country, while governments and international organizations should prioritize aid and assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly female-headed households.
The Taliban's strategic manoeuvres, portraying a facade of change during peace negotiations only to revert to repressive policies upon assuming power, emphasize the importance of sustained international vigilance and accountability to prevent further destabilization and the spread of extremism beyond Afghanistan's borders. Additionally, consistency between principles articulated on the international stage and actions taken on the ground is essential for fostering trust and addressing complex geopolitical challenges, prompting a reevaluation of global strategies and paradigms.
Panel Discussion Summary
The panel discussion, titled "Afghanistan Under Taliban Rule: A Threat to Democracy, Women, and International Security," provided an in-depth analysis of the current humanitarian, security, and governance crises in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover. Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, highlighted the severe gender-based discrimination and human rights violations against women and girls in Afghanistan, labelling it as one of the gravest injustices of our times. He emphasized the systematic denial of education, freedom, and basic rights under the Taliban regime, calling for international action and support for Afghan girls and women.
Marika Theros, the moderator and a senior fellow at the London School of Economics, introduced the session by expressing solidarity with the Afghan people and stressing the need for a coordinated international response to address the multifaceted crises in Afghanistan. She outlined the importance of re-evaluating international strategies to support a sustainable future for Afghanistan that respects human rights and frees Afghans from oppression and violence.
Nargis Nehan, a women's activist and former Acting Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Industries, provided a poignant account of the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. She detailed the humanitarian crisis, the suppression of civic space, and the rise of extremism under the Taliban. Nehan criticized the international community's lack of a united and effective response to the Taliban's oppressive regime and called for acknowledgement and support for the Afghan resistance, especially from women and youth.
Matin Bek, a senior fellow at New America's International Security Program, discussed the flawed Doha peace process and its role in facilitating the Taliban's return to power. He reflected on the strategic mistakes made by the Afghan government and the international community that led to the current crisis. Bek emphasized the need for Afghan unity and mobilization against the Taliban and warned of the long-term security threats posed by the Taliban's governance model and its support for extremist ideologies.
Sanjar Sohail, an Emmy award-winning journalist and founder of Hasht-e Subh (8 am Media), shared insights into the media landscape in Afghanistan and the challenges faced by journalists under the Taliban regime. He highlighted the importance of documenting the Taliban's crimes and atrocities to seek justice in the future and stressed the need for international solidarity with the Afghan people's struggle against tyranny and oppression.
The panel concluded with Marika Theros expressing gratitude for the discussion and reaffirming her faith in the Afghan people's resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by the Taliban's rule. The session underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and united international response to support the Afghan population, particularly women and girls, and to ensure a peaceful and secure future for Afghanistan.