UK Says Women’s Rights and Counterterrorism at Center of Taliban Talks
Richard Lindsay, Britain’s special representative for Afghanistan, said that in the fifth year since the Taliban returned to power, respect for women’s and girls’ rights and compliance with counterterrorism commitments are among London’s main priorities regarding Afghanistan.
He said on Saturday, 24 Asad, that in a meeting with Taliban officials he discussed countering regional security threats and commitments related to counterterrorism. According to him, the situation of women’s and girls’ rights was also one of the main topics of the talks.
Lindsay stressed that Afghanistan cannot make progress as long as women and girls are denied education, work and participation in public life. He also said dialogue with the Taliban administration is important, but this process must be accompanied by practical action.
The British special representative added that stability in Afghanistan is important for countries in the region and for Britain. He also underlined the need for participation in Afghanistan’s political process led by the United Nations.
Britain also announced that over the next three years it will allocate 105 million pounds annually to support life-saving services, education, protection and strengthening resilience to climate change in Afghanistan.
Britain is among the countries involved in the Afghanistan file since the Taliban returned to power and has repeatedly emphasized in its official positions women’s rights, the formation of an inclusive system and curbing security threats emanating from Afghanistan.
