US State Department Expresses Concern Over Potential Terrorist Activities In Afghanistan

This session had been dedicated to assessing the current situation of women living under the Taliban rule and saw the participation of several prominent Afghan women activists who highlighted their vital perspectives on various issues.

This informal session of the UN Security Council, announced by the Swiss permanent representation to the United Nations, included notable figures such as Fawzia Kofi, a former member of the Afghan parliament, alongside women activists Yalda Royan and Asila Wardak.

The Swiss representation underscored their commitment to advocating for the equal and meaningful involvement of Afghan women in shaping the country's future.

While specific details of the meeting remain undisclosed, it has been understood that the session was co-chaired by representatives from Switzerland, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates at the United Nations.

Discussions likely included the recommendations put forth by Feridun Sinirlioğlu, the Special Coordinator of the UN Secretary-General on Afghanistan.

The closed nature of these meetings has not come without criticism. Heather Barr, Associate Director of the Women's Division at Human Rights Watch, has recently voiced concerns over the UN's approach to addressing the Afghan situation behind closed doors.

Launched with the aim of creating a respectful and inclusive space, the platform allows victims, survivors, and their families to share their personal experiences.

The museum's content is rich with narratives from those who have lost their lives as a result of the war, as well as stories from survivors who have witnessed the horrors of war and crime firsthand. The organisation highlighted the extensive two-year effort that went into gathering and curating these impactful stories.

One of the primary objectives of the Afghanistan Memory Home is to enhance global awareness, support the pursuit of justice, and ensure the recognition of historical truths. It also plays a crucial role in documenting and preserving evidence for future truth-telling and historical records.

Hadi Marefat, the executive director of the organisation, remarked, "Afghanistan is a country of survivors. Afghanistan Memory Home ensures that the stories of the victims are not forgotten."

Bennet emphasised on the importance of women's rights to education and work, as well as the need for the Taliban to honour the general amnesty.

Concerns remain high following the Taliban's recent detention of four prominent women's rights activists in Kabul - Neda Parwani, Julia Parsi, Manizha Sediqi, and Parisa Azada. These activists were actively involved in the women's protest movements.

The Human Rights Watch has also raised alarms about these detentions, noting that many women are being detained by the Taliban, some of whose cases have not been publicly disclosed. The organisation expressed serious concerns about the welfare and potential mistreatment of these activists in Taliban custody.

Meanwhile, Shaheen, during the meeting, briefed Bennet on the current status of widows, orphans, and individuals with disabilities in the country.

On X social platform, Ambassador Qomi criticised the declaration, stating, "As long as the war crimes of America and its allies against civilians go unprosecuted, this declaration remains nothing more than a political tool in service of the US." He further argued that the declaration fails to reflect the suffering of thousands of children affected by the actions of the United States and Israel, from Afghanistan to Gaza, reducing it to a mere political manifesto.

The Iranian ambassador highlighted ongoing human rights challenges globally, particularly in regions like Afghanistan, Gaza, and Yemen, underscoring the inadequacy of declarations without real justice and restoration of human rights.

Simultaneously, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian lawyer Narges Mohammadi in Norway brought renewed international focus to human rights issues in Iran. Mohammadi, imprisoned in Iran's Evin prison, could not attend the ceremony. Her teenage children accepted the Prize on her behalf, spotlighting Iran's own human rights concerns.

Moreover, the international community has frequently criticised the Taliban for their restrictive policies in Afghanistan, particularly concerning the prohibition of girls' education, women's employment, and the suppression of ethnic and religious minorities' freedoms.

In an interview with the Iranian Fars News Agency, Motahari underscored the deteriorating security situation and highlighted the recent surge in attacks targeting Shias in Afghanistan.

Despite the Taliban's claims of having improved security for all Afghans, concerns about escalating assaults on Shia and Hazara communities in Afghanistan persist. The last month alone has seen the assassination of at least five Shia clerics in Herat province.

Motahari, speaking on Sunday, lamented the current state of affairs: "Regrettably, the security situation is dire. We've seen an uptick in insecurity over the past 40 days, with religious scholars facing increased threats."

He pointed out the diverse objectives of the "terrorist" groups attacking Shia scholars, noting that these groups aim to provoke the Shia community against the Taliban and foster distrust between the Taliban and Shia community.

Motahari also referred to public requests for assigning security guards to Shia educational institutions, mosques, and public spaces.

Following the recent assassinations of five Shiite clerics in Herat, Mohammad Mohaqiq, head of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, voiced suspicions that these serial killings of Hazaras and Shiites are being carried out with the Taliban's complicity. He questioned the Taliban's capability to provide security or speculated on their possible involvement in fostering insecurity.

However, the head of the Ulema Council of Jebrael township expressed confidence in the Taliban's commitment to safeguard the Shia community in Herat.