RASC News Agency: The Canadian Feminists for Afghanistan Association has denounced the United Nations’ decision to extend an invitation to the Taliban for participation in a climate change summit. The association described this move as deeply troubling, highlighting it as a glaring indication of the UN’s disregard for human rights and its own foundational principles. In a strongly worded open letter to the UN, the association, led by renowned women’s rights activist Nargis Nehan, expressed grave concerns:
“The invitation extended to the Taliban delegation for the UN-hosted climate change summit represents a blatant neglect of their persistent and egregious human rights violations. This decision undermines the core values and principles that the United Nations is built upon. The Taliban have shown neither commitment to Afghanistan’s national welfare nor any genuine interest in global cooperation on climate change initiatives.”
The association further emphasized that the Taliban, notorious for their oppressive policies, contribute neither to Afghanistan’s progress nor to the collective global good. The climate change summit, hosted by the United Nations, was held on Monday, November 11, in Baku, Azerbaijan, and spanned two days. The central focus of the summit was on reducing methane emissions, with close to 160 nations, including Afghanistan, pledging their commitment to mitigation efforts.
Representing Afghanistan at the summit was Mutlaq Haq Khales, the Taliban-appointed head of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Taliban’s participation in the summit sparked widespread outrage. The Canadian Feminists for Afghanistan labeled the decision to invite the group as shameful, arguing that the Taliban continue to flagrantly violate human rights, suppress freedoms, and oppress women.
They noted the Taliban’s long history of restrictive policies, including their recent decree branding women’s voices as “immodest” and mandating absolute compliance from men. The association underscored that granting legitimacy to such a regime through an invitation to a global platform was a betrayal of the UN’s ethical responsibilities and principles.
