UN Preparing New Proposal On Afghanistan, Says Taliban
The Taliban has claimed that the United Nations is in the process of drafting a new proposal concerning Afghanistan, which is expected to be presented to the group in the near future.
The Taliban has claimed that the United Nations is in the process of drafting a new proposal concerning Afghanistan, which is expected to be presented to the group in the near future.
According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, Robert Dickson, the United Kingdom’s Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, conveyed this development during a recent meeting in Kabul with Acting Minister Abdul Kabir.
“Robert Dickson expressed satisfaction that a proposal on Afghanistan is being prepared within the United Nations and is expected to be shared with officials of the Islamic Emirate soon,” the ministry stated. “He mentioned that the proposal includes strengthening ties with Afghanistan, ensuring security, and other positive points.”
The Taliban further quoted Dickson as saying the UK has played a key role in shaping the proposal. However, neither the British diplomatic mission for Afghanistan nor the United Nations has released any formal confirmation or comment regarding the document.
During the meeting, both parties reportedly discussed the situation of Afghan refugees, the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the possibility of expanding cooperation between the Taliban and the international community. The ministry added that Dickson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people and to maintaining constructive engagement with Afghanistan, while seeking to bring the country back into focus on the UN’s international agenda.
The Taliban quoted Dickson as stating, “The world is changing,” while emphasising Afghanistan’s strategic importance.
It remains unclear whether the proposal mentioned by the Taliban refers to the independent assessment commissioned by the UN Secretary-General in 2023 or if the organisation is working on a new and separate initiative.
In April 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioğlu as the Special Coordinator for Afghanistan, under Security Council Resolution 2679. His mandate was to conduct a broad assessment and recommend a coordinated international approach to the country’s ongoing challenges.
Sinirlioğlu’s report called for the launch of an intra-Afghan dialogue aimed at forming an inclusive government and fostering sustainable peace and economic development. He made clear that Afghanistan’s formal reintegration into the international system would depend on the Taliban’s compliance with international obligations, including ensuring women’s participation in governance.
Following the report, the UN Security Council called for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Afghanistan—an initiative the Taliban has strongly opposed.
To inform his recommendations, Sinirlioğlu conducted extensive consultations with Taliban officials, political opposition figures, regional leaders, and women’s representatives during his visit to Kabul.
