Russia, Qatar Sidestep Rights Concerns At UN Meeting On Afghanistan
Representatives of Russia and Qatar, speaking at a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, made no reference to widespread human rights violations or the situation of women in Afghanistan, unlike several other countries.
Russia’s representative focused on the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets and called for an end to what he described as double standards.
He said Moscow was closely monitoring developments in Afghanistan and called for the inclusion of all groups in the country’s governance process.
The Russian envoy also said Afghan assets held in Western countries should be released and urged the international community to act independently and impartially.
Qatar’s representative, without addressing the situation of women under the Taliban, called for constructive dialogue between the international community and the group.
The Qatari envoy said Afghanistan is facing complex challenges, including climate change, poverty, food insecurity and sanctions.
She described constructive engagement between the international community and Afghanistan as the only viable path to resolving challenges and promoting peace and stability.
Qatar’s representative also called for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community.
At the opening of the same session, Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said Afghanistan had become a graveyard for human rights.
