Kabul, 18 November 2021: The UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Deborah Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the international community.
UN official was addressing the Security Council on 17 November. She mentioned Taliban is taking halting steps to pursue international legitimacy. Moreover, Afghans feel abandoned by the international community. Consequently, they are anxious about their new leadership.
“Ultimately, the Taliban must decide on whether to govern according to the needs and rights of the diverse Afghan population, or whether to rule on the basis of a narrow ideology and even narrower ethnic base”, she stated.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan UNAMA is a UN Special Political Mission. Its mission is to assist the state and the people of Afghanistan. Moreover, it works to lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development. UNAMA was established On 28 March 2002.
Disengagement
Deborah Lyons mentioned that the Taliban are trying to present themselves as a government. However, they face constraints in resources. Moreover, the political ideology of the Taliban clashes with international norms. She underscored that the Taliban have not earned the trust of the majority of Afghans.
UNAMA’s special representative urged the international community must remain engaged with Taliban leaders. Consequently, it will help to shape a more positive future trajectory. She mentioned abandoning Afghan people would be a historic mistake. It will have tragic consequences.
UNAMA Constructive Engagement
Lyons outlined UNAMA’s early interactions with the de facto Taliban administration. The Special Representative mentioned that the engagements have been useful and constructive. Moreover, de facto authorities indicate that they want UN Presence as they value UN assistance.
Lyons mentioned that the de facto authority wanted to overcome the trust deficit. Moreover, they want to seek international recognition. The Taliban continue to provide security to UN staff. They even allowed broad humanitarian access, including for women humanitarian workers. They allowed access to parts of the country that had not been visited for 15 years.
These measures are a step to gain the trust of the international community. They want to overcome the trust deficit that exists between them and the international community.
Women Rights
Lyons said that the Taliban have recognized the international community’s concerns especially related to women’s rights. They are acknowledging mistakes and trying to address them. Taliban had initially assured the global community that they would protect women’s rights within shariah law. However, there is no policy brief from the Taliban regarding their fundamental rights and freedom.
She underscored that the de facto government indicated that they are working on a “nationwide policy to govern girls” right to education.
Building Relations
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is exacerbating. Moreover, the paralyzed economy and the frozen economic assets are contributing to the country’s crisis. The Afghans are feeling apprehensive over Taliban intentions.
The UN has also received credible reports of house searches and extra-judicial killings of former Government security personnel and officials. Moreover terrorist attacks have increased from 60 in 2020 to 334 this year.
“The best way to promote stability and future international support is for the Taliban to avoid the isolation that characterized their previous experience in power”-the Special Representative
In these circumstances, Lyons called for the gradual establishment of constructive relations between Afghanistan and the international community.
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