UK Urges Taliban to Take Practical Steps on Women’s Rights for Global Engagement

Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, stated that establishing formal diplomatic relations with Kabul is only possible when the Taliban administration is recognized by the international community as a legitimate government. He emphasized that this process depends on tangible progress in human rights and security.

Lindsay highlighted that the UK’s priorities include ensuring security, economic stability, and the return of Afghan girls and women to education and public life. He stressed that guaranteeing girls’ access to secondary and higher education, protecting human rights, and preventing Afghan territory from being used by terrorist groups against other countries are essential conditions for renewed engagement with the global community.

These remarks come at a time when the Taliban government, after nearly five years in power, continues to impose extensive restrictions on women’s education and employment—an issue considered a major obstacle to international recognition. Many human rights organizations have previously underlined that the persistence of these policies keeps Afghanistan politically and economically isolated.

Regarding the Afghan embassy in London, the UK envoy said that following the Taliban’s withdrawal of accreditation from the previous ambassador and the embassy’s closure, resuming formal relations will only be possible within the framework of international recognition. He added that his frequent trips to Kabul aim to encourage Taliban officials to take practical steps toward global engagement.

Lindsay also referred to Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation, noting that despite rising needs, humanitarian aid funding is insufficient. Citing United Nations data, he stated that millions of Afghan women and girls require urgent assistance, but global crises have strained the limited resources for aid. He noted that the UK remains one of the largest bilateral donors to Afghanistan and has allocated £150 million this year for food aid and nutritional support for mothers and children.

In response to criticism from some Afghan women who view diplomatic meetings as fruitless, Lindsay defended continued engagement with the Taliban, saying that educating girls and promoting women’s economic participation serve Afghanistan’s long-term interests.

Additionally, Lindsay expressed concern about escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, noting that the closure of the Durand Line crossings has negatively impacted trade and affected the lives of families on both sides of the border. He emphasized that the UK does not play a mediating role and that countries such as Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China have been more active in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.