A coalition of women’s rights activists, civil society representatives, and protest movements has criticised the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its “Comprehensive Approach” initiative, describing it as a deviation from the UN’s humanitarian mandate.
They argue that the plan sidelines the Afghan people from the decision-making process and paves the way for the normalisation of the Taliban.
In a joint statement signed by 54 social organisations, associations, and protest groups, the activists denounced the inclusion of the Taliban as a “primary stakeholder” in the initiative, asserting that it contravenes the principles of neutrality, democracy, and human rights.
The statement further characterises the structure of the plan as a “mosaic approach” and warns that treating fundamental human rights as subjects of negotiation undermines their universality and inviolability.
The activists expressed grave concerns over the exclusion of women, civil society actors, and victims of human rights violations from the process. “The instrumental use of humanitarian aid to advance political objectives undermines the principle of neutrality,” the statement reads.
According to the signatories, the initiative grants the Taliban tangible concessions while demanding little more than vague and unenforceable promises in return, thereby serving the Taliban’s interests rather than those of the Afghan people.
The group has called for the immediate suspension of the “Comprehensive Approach,” a thorough review of its framework, and the meaningful inclusion of representatives of the Afghan people.
The statement also reiterates the need for the Taliban to remain unrecognised as a legitimate political entity, demands equal participation for women and independent organisations, and urges UNAMA to realign with its original humanitarian mandate.
