In a joint statement issued following a high-level meeting in Geneva on December 16, Special Envoys and Representatives from Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemned the Taliban’s recent decision to ban women and girls from attending public and private medical training institutions. This alarming new policy, announced in December 2024, is seen as a devastating blow to the future of Afghan women, the healthcare system, and the well-being of Afghan families.
The international diplomats voiced their grave concern that the decision, which follows the Taliban’s August 2024 decree on the “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice,” will have far-reaching consequences. Specifically, they warned that this latest edict will undermine the already fragile Afghan healthcare system, which is critically reliant on women healthcare workers, especially midwives and doctors.
“This decision will hurt every Afghan, but especially mothers and infants—both born and unborn,” the statement read, highlighting the severe consequences for both male and female children. “This expansion of oppressive policies continues a pattern of excluding Afghan women and girls from education, economic life, and public engagement. We call for the immediate reversal of these discriminatory policies.”
Terrorism, Instability, and the Need for Inclusive Dialogue
The joint statement also expressed alarm over the escalating security threats in Afghanistan, particularly following a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Kabul and surrounding regions. While acknowledging the Taliban’s efforts to address terrorist threats from groups such as ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), the diplomats emphasized that Afghanistan remains a haven for several terrorist organizations, which continue to plan and execute cross-border attacks.
The statement underscored the need for the Taliban to fulfill its international obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2593, specifically to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a platform for terrorism.
In addition to security concerns, the envoys highlighted that true stability in Afghanistan can only be achieved through an inclusive national dialogue that leads to a representative and accountable political system. They reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to supporting a process that includes all Afghan stakeholders in building a peaceful future.
“We continue to stress that long-term peace in Afghanistan will require a constitutional order based on the inclusivity of all Afghan people,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for political leaders in Afghanistan to be accountable to the population and to the international community.
Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Cooperation
As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan deepens, the international representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and ethnic and religious minorities. They acknowledged the invaluable role of international NGOs, UN agencies, and local organizations that continue to provide aid amid the ongoing crisis.
The diplomats commended the efforts of the United Nations and other international organizations, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, for their ongoing humanitarian work in the country. They also highlighted the importance of an inclusive humanitarian response, which includes representation from various stakeholders and continued support for the people of Afghanistan.
Looking ahead, the envoys emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to address the broader implications of the Afghanistan situation, particularly in terms of regional security. They underscored the need for a coordinated effort to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and illegal migration emanating from Afghanistan, which poses significant risks to neighboring countries and the wider region.
Continued Engagement and Diplomatic Efforts
The statement also praised the leadership of Muslim-majority countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for their efforts to engage with the Taliban on issues related to women’s rights, particularly their access to education. The envoys urged these countries to continue their active involvement in addressing the ongoing human rights crisis, especially regarding Afghan women and girls.
The group of diplomats concluded by expressing their appreciation to Switzerland for hosting the consultation and facilitating the ongoing dialogue. They committed to holding further meetings in the near future to continue working toward a peaceful, stable, and inclusive Afghanistan.
“We look forward to deepening engagement with the region and strengthening our collaborative efforts to ensure the people of Afghanistan can one day live in peace, with dignity, and without fear of persecution,” the statement concluded.
The international community’s call for the reversal of the Taliban’s recent policies and the return to a path of peace and inclusion highlights the growing urgency of addressing the political, humanitarian, and security challenges that continue to plague Afghanistan. The world continues to watch, hoping for a future where Afghan women and girls, in particular, can once again live free from discrimination and oppression.