Taliban Military Court Orders Ban On Smartphones For State Employees

Laurens Soenen, spokesperson for Belgium's Foreign Ministry, said European institutions decide which meetings to hold and whom to invite.

Soenen emphasised that some of these meetings may include representatives from institutions or regimes that Belgium does not recognise. However, their presence in Brussels does not mean recognition by Belgium or constitute a direct invitation from the country.

The spokesperson added that if Belgium were to judge the appropriateness of invitations issued by European institutions during their activities, it would undermine Brussels's status as an international and diplomatic capital.

In recent days, Afghan citizens and human rights activists have held protests in several countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Germany, France, Canada, Sweden, Austria, Spain and Belgium. The demonstrations are largely in response to the widespread and systematic human rights violations in Afghanistan, especially the situation of women and girls. Protesters have urged European institutions to cancel or reconsider the invitation to Taliban representatives.

Concerns have been expressed about a technical meeting scheduled in Brussels on June 22-23, which is reportedly expected to discuss the return of Afghan migrants without legal residence in Europe.

No visa requests from the Taliban have been received so far

Belgium's Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that no visa applications have been received from Taliban delegation members in relation to the European Commission's invitation.

It was stressed that such requests must be made by the individuals concerned and are subject to security checks. The ministry noted that the list of potential delegation members was received several weeks ago, and security screenings have been ongoing since then.

The spokesperson emphasised that any such trip would not amount to a recognition mission, and no individual cases would be examined during the meetings in Brussels.

Meanwhile, more than 80 international human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, along with some Members of the European Parliament, have warned against this engagement. Critics say it could be seen as legitimising the Taliban amid ongoing severe repression of women. Prominent figures such as Malala Yousafzai have also opposed such interaction. Some MEPs have called for a review of the visa process for this meeting.

Emphasis on a common European migration policy

In another section of the response, Belgium's Foreign Ministry stressed the need for a joint European policy on illegal migration.

According to the email, the ministry stated that ignoring the problem will not make it disappear and called for a structural solution within a clear European framework.

The Ministry also stated that such an approach must both safeguard fundamental rights and allow for the management of return procedures and relations with countries of origin.

The statement further stressed that Belgium should maintain a policy that is fair, coherent and in line with international obligations.

It added that the policy should be fair because it should not create de facto immunity for people residing illegally solely on the basis of Afghan nationality; coherent because it must be defined within a European framework; and consistent with Belgium’s legal principles, which are based on respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Afghans and civil society activists in 14 cities worldwide rallied under the slogan “Education, Work and Freedom”, calling for an end to repression and restrictions in Afghanistan.

The demonstrations in Herat, which started last week in Jebrail township, have now become a symbol of global solidarity with Afghan women.

From Tehran to Brussels and from Helsinki to Vancouver, protesters gathered to demand an end to the suppression of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Germany witnessed some of the largest rallies in support of the women of Herat. Demonstrators gathered in Hamburg, Berlin, Nuremberg and Stuttgart, calling for the suspension of diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and an end to restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls.

The resolution did not endorse Russia’s proposal to grant the Taliban access to the frozen assets of Afghanistan’s central bank. However, it called on UNAMA to support efforts to facilitate access to these assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.

The Security Council stated that UNAMA should continue its work in close consultation with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, particularly the relevant authorities, and in support of the Afghan people, in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership and ownership.

The resolution identified Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis, the continuing erosion of human rights, especially those of women and girls, and the threat posed by terrorist groups as among the country’s most pressing challenges.

Dire humanitarian and economic situation

The Security Council described Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic conditions as dire and stressed the need to strengthen humanitarian assistance and meet the population’s basic needs. It urged the international community to improve coordination of aid efforts and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across the country.

The resolution also highlighted the importance of supporting development programmes aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s long-term self-reliance and called for greater coordination among international donors to promote economic and social stability.

Deteriorating rights of women and girls

The Security Council expressed deep concern over the continued deterioration of human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights of women and girls. It warned that peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan would remain unattainable without the protection of these rights and freedoms.

The council called on the Taliban to immediately reverse all policies and actions that contradict Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations. It also urged the Taliban to guarantee full access for Afghan women employed by the United Nations to UN offices and facilities throughout the country.

The resolution further emphasised support for equal access for women and girls to education, employment, healthcare, justice and other essential services, as well as their full, equal and meaningful participation in public life and decision-making processes.

Concerns over terrorist threats

The Security Council described the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as a serious threat to international peace and security and stressed the need for effective counterterrorism measures.

The council reaffirmed the continuation of measures against individuals and groups subject to UN sanctions and called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address security threats.

The resolution also highlighted the need to prevent the illicit trade and transfer of small arms and light weapons in Afghanistan and the wider region.

Pakistan has previously expressed concern about Pakistani militants gaining access to weapons left behind by Afghanistan’s former army. While the Taliban have denied these claims, the resolution reflects concerns raised by Islamabad.

UNAMA’s mandate for the coming year

The resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to conduct a strategic review of UNAMA and submit a report to the Security Council by the end of March next year.

Jennifer Locetta, the United States representative at the meeting, welcomed the review and stressed the need for a mission that is effective and fit for purpose.

Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s representative to the United Nations, said Moscow supports a strategic review of UNAMA, but argued that it should be conducted in coordination with the Taliban authorities and focus on humanitarian and development needs rather than becoming a tool for advancing Western interests.

Under the resolution, UNAMA will continue facilitating dialogue among Taliban officials, regional countries, the international community and civil society to encourage compliance with international obligations and support Afghanistan’s integration into the global community.

UNAMA has also been tasked with supporting efforts to establish an inclusive, representative and accountable government in which women, young people, minorities and persons with disabilities can participate meaningfully and safely in political processes.

Supporting mine-clearance programmes, reducing the risks posed by unexploded ordnance, strengthening regional cooperation, and reporting on Afghanistan’s political, security, economic and human rights situation will remain among the mission’s key responsibilities.

The resolution requires the UN Secretary-General to submit a report on Afghanistan and the implementation of UNAMA’s mandate every three months. It also calls for a further strategic review of UNAMA’s structure and performance by the end of March 2027 to improve effectiveness and strengthen coordination among UN agencies operating in Afghanistan.

Central bank assets

The Security Council also asked UNAMA to support efforts to facilitate access to Afghanistan’s central bank assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.

The resolution states that UNAMA should coordinate with donors and international institutions to support legitimate commercial and financial activities and contribute to Afghanistan’s development priorities and economic self-reliance.

The provision comes as a portion of Afghanistan’s central bank reserves remains frozen abroad following the Taliban’s return to power. China and Russia have consistently supported granting the Taliban access to these funds.

The Security Council further reaffirmed the United Nations’ central role in Afghanistan and called on UNAMA to mediate dialogue among Afghanistan’s relevant authorities, regional countries, the international community and civil society to promote constructive engagement.

Under the resolution, UNAMA will continue coordinating humanitarian assistance, monitoring and reporting on political, security, economic and human rights developments, supporting inclusive governance and meaningful participation by women, and serving as the central pillar of UN activities in Afghanistan.

According to the sources, the detainees are two shopkeepers whose premises captured footage of Taliban forces firing at demonstrators during protests on 9 June.

The video, which shows a Taliban fighter aiming his weapon at protesters and opening fire, was widely shared on social media and prompted widespread reaction.

Earlier, the United Nations confirmed that at least one teenage boy was killed by Taliban gunfire during the protests, while several others were injured after reportedly being beaten by Taliban forces.

The protests erupted in response to the Taliban’s mass detention of women accused of violating the group’s dress code requirements.

The UN Security Council had previously used the term “de facto authorities” of Afghanistan when referring to the Taliban in its official texts.

According to Andisha, the international community is gradually and legally changing its approach towards what he described as “illegitimate regimes”.

He said reducing the Taliban’s status from “de facto authorities” to “relevant authorities” deprives the group of the gradual legal legitimacy it seeks to obtain.

Writing on X on Monday, June 15, Andisha said the development could be significant for the future of democratic resistance movements in Afghanistan and Myanmar.

He argued that the change may appear minor, but in international law, terminology is closely linked to questions of sovereignty.

The Taliban refers to its system of government as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, but apart from Russia, no country has formally recognised it.

Andisha also pointed to the UN’s approach towards Myanmar, noting that the Human Rights Council, at its 62nd session, maintained its decision not to seat a representative of Myanmar’s military government.

He wrote that both the Taliban and Myanmar’s military have relied on what analysts describe as hostage diplomacy.

According to Andisha, for years the main argument for engaging with such regimes has been pragmatism. He said authoritarian rulers have argued that because they control the capital and possess military power, the world should treat them as legitimate governments.

Afghanistan’s ambassador in Geneva said recent UN actions show that the international community is increasingly separating territorial control from diplomatic recognition.

He also called on the European Union to reconsider its diplomatic approach towards the Taliban.

The European Commission has invited Taliban officials to Brussels for technical talks on the return of Afghan migrants who lack legal residency status in Europe.

The invitation has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and Afghan activists.