Senior diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have raised strong concerns over the Taliban’s governance, security threats, and human rights violations in Afghanistan.
The discussions took place during a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan on Monday.
US Urges Action Against Terrorism
Dorothy Shea, US Ambassador to the UN, reaffirmed that Washington will not recognise the Taliban due to its links with terrorist groups and hostage-taking of Americans. She warned that ISIS-Khorasan remains a serious security threat and called on the Taliban to take decisive action against all terrorist groups.
Shea stressed that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for extremism and warned that the Taliban’s refusal to cooperate internationally would destabilise the region.
UK Pushes for ICC Action on Taliban Human Rights Violations
James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, backed calls to refer the Taliban’s human rights abuses to the International Court of Justice. He condemned the closure of secondary schools for girls, calling it a violation of international law.
Kariuki also highlighted the Taliban’s severe restrictions on Afghan women. He warned that if the Taliban seeks international legitimacy, it must respect human rights and address terrorism.
China Calls for Engagement and Sanctions Relief
Unlike Western powers, China’s Ambassador Fu Cong advocated for easing sanctions on the Taliban and granting travel exemptions to its leaders. He argued that engagement with the Taliban could help stabilise Afghanistan.
Fu acknowledged the Taliban’s failure to curb terrorist activity but insisted that the global community must find ways to work with the group. He urged a more flexible stance on sanctions to enable constructive dialogue.
Russia Demands Inclusive Government
Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan, warning that its absence threatens long-term peace and stability. He noted that ISIS-Khorasan remains active and continues to recruit.
Nebenzia also raised concerns about foreign fighters in Afghanistan, warning that their presence poses a serious security risk to the entire region. He urged joint counterterrorism efforts with the Taliban.
Iran and Pakistan Warn of Security and Humanitarian Crisis
Iran’s UN Representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, described the situation for Afghan women as dire. He called the Taliban’s restrictions on women un-Islamic and against Afghan cultural traditions.
Iravani warned that ISIS-Khorasan and other extremist groups threaten Afghanistan and regional stability. He urged the Taliban to prioritise counterterrorism efforts and allow unhindered humanitarian aid.
Pakistan’s UN Representative, Munir Akram, criticised the Taliban’s failure to control ISIS-Khorasan and over 20 terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan. He linked the recent attacks in Kerman, Moscow, and Peshawar to the Taliban’s lack of security control.
Akram also expressed concern over Western weapons left in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban to retrieve them from terrorist groups.
