RASC News Agency: Malta’s representative to the United Nations has called for increased pressure on the Taliban to improve human rights conditions in Afghanistan. Vanessa Frazier, supporting the criminalization of gender apartheid in Afghanistan, stated that the issue of recognizing the Taliban is currently not on the table. In an interview with reporters, Frazier added that Malta has been at the forefront of identifying gender apartheid as a “crime against humanity” and has actively supported the women and girls of Afghanistan in this regard.
The Maltese representative at the United Nations emphasized that for the Taliban to gain recognition, they must adhere to international agreements and fulfill their responsibilities as a “government.” Frazier said, “If the Taliban seek recognition, they must fulfill their obligations, including holding elections that involve female candidates and voters.” She stressed the importance of the presence of women and civil society at the third Doha meeting, asserting that supporting civil society and recognizing their role is fundamental.
The Maltese UN representative also called on the Security Council to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan to work with the Taliban and focus on the country’s situation. On Friday, during a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Frazier mentioned that some Taliban officials have connections with ISIS, and some have been dismissed due to these ties. At the Security Council meeting, Vanessa Frazier described the situation of Afghanistani women as shocking and stated that achieving a stable and secure Afghanistan is impossible without the participation of women and respect for the country’s social diversity.
She pointed out that Afghanistan is facing a humanitarian crisis, with 23 million Afghans needing international humanitarian aid. Previously, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, emphasized gender apartheid in his report, stating that violence against Afghanistani women is pervasive and severe. He called on the international community to recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Recently, human rights activists in Afghanistan have launched a campaign to officially recognize gender apartheid.
