Declaration Ahead of the United Nations Meeting in Doha Calls for Representation Rooted in the People’s Choice

By @AzadiJaan | February 17, 2024 | azadi@wearenrf.org

On February 15th, 2024, marking more than two years since the Taliban's forceful seizure of power and just days ahead of the pivotal UN Doha discussions, a coalition of Anti-Taliban Resistance factions came together to issue a significant joint declaration. This document, entitled "The Joint Declaration of the Political Currents in Connection With the Holding of the United Nations Meeting in Doha, Qatar," symbolizes a remarkable display of unity among the opposition groups against the Taliban's oppressive regime. This collective stance underscores the unwavering resolve of these groups to present a consolidated front against the autocratic rule, highlighting their commitment to fight for the restoration of freedom, democracy, and human rights in a land beleaguered by tyranny and conflict.

In the joint declaration, the coalition of Anti-Taliban movements not only exhibited a robust unity against the authoritarian Taliban regime but also extended their appreciation towards the United Nations for its persistent efforts. They articulated deep concerns over the grave circumstances prevailing under Taliban dominion, asserting the regime's lack of legitimacy with unwavering conviction. The statement emphatically criticized the Taliban's controversial participation in the Doha meeting, highlighting a broad condemnation of their recognition on such international platforms. Among the signatories, distinguished entities like the National Resistance Front (NRF), the Freedom Front, and the Women’s Protest Movements stood out as beacons of indomitable military and civic opposition. These groups have become iconic for their steadfast defiance and resilience, championing the cause of liberty and justice against the Taliban's repression throughout the turbulent last two and a half years.

Read Full Statement Here

Issued merely days prior to the slated UN special meeting set for February 18-19 in Doha, Qatar, the statement has ignited widespread apprehension and sparked a wave of condemnation across digital and traditional media landscapes. For those yearning for liberty, the upcoming Doha meetings resurrect harrowing recollections of previous conventions within the city's confines, most notably the accord signed between the US and the Taliban. Viewed by many as a profound act of treachery, this pact effectively sidelined the nation, precipitating the downfall of the republic government. This backdrop casts a shadow over the Doha discussions, embedding them within a context of historical grievances and a profound sense of betrayal felt by the people of Afghanistan.

In May 2023, under the stewardship of U.N. Secretary-General Guterres, an inaugural conference convened in Doha marked a significant step towards addressing the intensifying issues afflicting the region. This pivotal gathering brought together the world's special envoys, all focused on the critical situation, aiming to forge a path forward. The appointment of a special coordinator emerged as a key outcome of this conference, tasked with a vital role: to deliver a comprehensive report to the council by November 2023. This report was anticipated to offer strategic, forward-thinking recommendations designed to streamline and enhance the international community’s involvement, ensuring a more cohesive and impactful approach towards stabilizing and supporting the region's future.

In his comprehensive report, the U.N. Special Coordinator for the region, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, made a compelling appeal to the international donor community, advocating for sustained and intensified efforts in engagement, development assistance, and economic integration initiatives. Sinirlioğlu underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between global leaders, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, even in the face of the considerable obstacles presented by the current regime's governance. This call for cooperation, aimed at fostering stability and progress, however, did not go without its detractors. The report attracted criticism from the Anti-Taliban factions and various opposition groups, both within and outside the region, who viewed the recommended approach towards working with the regime as contentious and potentially counterproductive to the cause of restoring peace and democratic governance.

Among the most vocal advocates for substantive critique have been the women's protest movements, which have emerged as a formidable force for change within the region. In the fortnight leading up to the Doha discussions, these groups have launched a concerted appeal to Antonio Guterres, urging him to place women's rights at the forefront of the agenda without any conditions, starkly opposing the Taliban's involvement in these crucial talks. Their advocacy extended beyond vocal protests, manifesting in powerful open letters that channelled their collective concerns and suggestions directly to the international community. One notable letter, a product of collaborative efforts among a broad spectrum of women's rights activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, saw approximately 35 organizations dedicated to women's causes, both within the region and internationally, alongside 170 individuals, articulate their apprehensions and counsel in anticipation of the UN meeting. Furthermore, an additional collective of 60 organizations and groups strategically addressed the special envoys scheduled to attend the UN meetings, ensuring their voices and demands for justice and equality were heard loud and clear.

The degradation of women's rights under the Taliban has remained a critical issue, gaining prominence in the discourse following the dissolution of the republic. The regime has systematically enforced severe restrictions, curtailing women's rights to education at secondary and tertiary levels, as well as their participation in the workforce. Reports emerging as recently as a month ago have alarmingly highlighted instances of abductions of women by the Taliban, further underscoring the perilous conditions for women under their rule.

This grim reality has had tangible repercussions on the international stage, notably impacting the operations of the United Nations throughout late 2022 and extending into 2023. The Taliban's stringent policies have severely limited the capacity of women in the region to engage in humanitarian and developmental work through non-governmental organizations and even within the framework of the U.N. itself. These restrictions not only undermine the efforts to provide essential aid and support to those in need but also signify a broader clampdown on the rights and freedoms of women, challenging the international community to respond to these egregious violations of human rights.

Beyond the egregious restrictions on education and employment, the range of human rights abuses committed by the Taliban is extensive and deeply troubling. These violations include, but are not limited to:

• The extrajudicial killings of over 700 individuals formerly associated with the National Defense and Security Forces, highlighting a brutal campaign of retaliation.

• The diversion and misappropriation of humanitarian aid, depriving those in dire need of essential support and resources.

• The systemic arbitrary arrests, beatings, and torture directed at journalists and media workers, stifling freedom of expression and silencing critical voices.

• Similar tactics of arrest, violence, and torture inflicted upon women who dare to protest, manifesting a clear intent to suppress women's rights and voices.

• The enforcement of forced marriages, stripping individuals of their autonomy and subjecting them to further abuse.

These actions collectively illustrate a profound contempt for human rights and the principles of law and justice, revealing the oppressive and tyrannical nature of Taliban governance. The scale and severity of these abuses not only constitute a direct assault on the dignity and rights of individuals but also challenge the foundational norms of international human rights standards.

Amidst the fog of uncertainty and contention surrounding the Taliban's participation and the just representation of the vociferous Anti-Taliban resistance factions within the UN dialogues, a singularly clear and uplifting development has crystallized from the tumult: the establishment of a formidable coalition amongst the Anti-Taliban resistance forces. This alliance, which coalesced after a series of three pivotal conferences in Vienna, owes its inception to the strategic vision and leadership of Ahmad Massoud, the esteemed leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan. This newfound unity shines brightly as a beacon of hope, piercing through the shadowy despair that has enveloped the nation, heralding a monumental stride towards the liberation of Afghanistan. As this coalition marches steadfastly in their quest for justice and emancipation, their united cry of #UnitedAgainstTaliban resounds with unyielding resilience. It is a clarion call for a future where the voices of the Afghan populace are not only heard but held in reverence, foretelling a dawn where their rights, freedoms, and aspirations are fully acknowledged and respected. This collective defiance against oppression and the relentless pursuit of a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan encapsulates the indomitable spirit of its people, promising a tomorrow where democracy and human dignity flourish.