Afghanistan Civil Society and Human Rights Activists: Doha Meeting Sanctioned Without Presence of Taliban Opponents

In the statement released on Saturday (June 29), it states: "While all human rights organizations, civil society institutions, and other protest movements have repeatedly shared their messages and evidence of the anti-human rights and anti-citizenship behaviors of the terrorist Taliban group with regional countries, the United Nations, and the Security Council, unfortunately, we witness the invitation and participation of the representative of this terrorist group by the mother of all organizations that defend democracy and human rights at the third Doha meeting."

The statement adds: "The terrorist Taliban group is a terrorist organization and ideology that has no belief in human values and human rights, and since coming to power, it has committed all kinds of crimes and treason against the people. Therefore, it is questionable on what principles this group is invited to such discussions regarding Afghanistan. Despite the fact that the current international community's approach to the Taliban is absolutely ineffective, we witness the invitation of this terrorist group contrary to all international and human rights laws regarding the dire and humanitarian crisis of this country, which is a cause for concern for us, civil and human rights activists."

The statement continues: "Our message is that we welcome and support any meeting that is arranged regarding the issues of Afghanistan, provided that it benefits the grieving nation and is free from coercion and oppression, and the agenda of such meetings is made clear to our nation beforehand. Otherwise, such meetings without the presence of opponents of the terrorist Taliban group are without result and will be sanctioned by us."

This statement comes as the third meeting of special representatives of countries on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held on June 30 and July 1 in Doha, Qatar. Taliban representatives will attend this meeting, but civil society and women's representatives will not be present at the main meeting.

The absence of women and civil society representatives at the Doha meeting has faced severe criticism from activists and human rights organizations.