Afghan women protest in Kabul, urge other countries not to recognise Taliban regime
Women protest in Kabul
Ahead of a UN summit that would take place next week, Afghan women rallied in Kabul on Saturday, defying a crackdown on dissent. They demanded that other countries refrain from formally recognising the Taliban regime.
Since the Taliban took back control in 2021, protesters who voiced opposition to growing restrictions on women's rights have been physically assaulted or imprisoned, and security forces have fired shots into the air to break up some demonstrations.
However, sporadic gatherings organised by small groups of women have continued.
In preparation of a summit in Doha, which the UN claims will address a "durable way forward" for the country, some 25 people marched through a residential area of the Afghan capital on Saturday.
The women chanted during the march, which lasted barely more than 10 minutes and ended without a run-in with security forces.
Their chants included "Afghan people, hostages of Taliban" and "We will fight, we will die, we will take our rights".
Since the Taliban took over control after the withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan in 2021, no country has yet recognised the administration as legitimate.
Only Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia officially recognised the former Taliban government, which governed from 1996 to 2001.
NGOs, relief organisations, and diplomats are all split on the subject at the moment.
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Some people think the possibility of recognition could persuade the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women's rights.
Others claim that by even bringing up the subject, the Taliban gain some legitimacy at a time when they are actively excluding women from public life.
UN's deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammedstated last week that the Doha summit, which begins on Monday, may see envoys discuss 'baby steps' on a path to recognition, though with restrictions.
Afghanistan's "de facto authorities" have not received an invitation to the Doha summit, according to the UN.
(With inputs from agencies)
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