Assessment of the Outcomes of the Third Doha Meeting by Afghan Civil Society Members
Assessment of the Outcomes of the Third Doha Meeting by Afghan Civil Society Members

A session was held to review the Third Doha Meeting by various civil society organizations, including the Afghanistan Women Media Advocacy Group and the Afghan Women’s News Agency, with the presence of prominent figures such as Zarqa Yaftali, a women’s rights activist; Lima Anwari, a human rights defender; Professor Sayed Masoud, and Parastoo Yari, a women’s rights and human rights activist, conducted online.

During this meeting, the importance of the role of civil society and women in the future of Afghanistan was emphasized, along with the discussions and debates surrounding the Doha meeting, and the exclusion of women from the main sessions.

Lima Anwari, a human rights defender, expressed in her remarks at this meeting that by excluding civil society and women, a step is taken towards regression and negating all the advancements made by women in the past 20 years. Civil society, women, religious minorities, dissenting groups – all of them should have a presence in the main conferences.

Ms. Anwari continued to emphasize the importance of women’s presence in the main meetings and stated that sideline meetings cannot be effective.

“The sideline does not play a significant role; the main meetings are decision-making. Therefore, women and civil society should always be present in the main sessions. Gatherings and discussions can only be successful when aspects such as decision-making, supporting all involved groups, and long-term commitment are taken into consideration,” Lima Anwari said.

Zarqa Yaftali, a women’s rights activist who was present at this discussion states: “The Doha meeting was not held with proposals and expectations that existed. From the early preparations for the Doha meeting, everyone can understand that the world, the global community, and especially the United Nations, did not want to prioritize Afghan women and civil society, and did not include them in the agenda of the Doha meeting.”

However, some women’s rights activists in connection with the conclusion of the third Doha meeting state that the exclusion of women from this meeting has led the United Nations to lose its credibility in the eyes of Afghan women and girls.

They believe that women in society, particularly in decision-making processes, can play a vital role. The Doha was a very important step towards resolving the challenges in Afghanistan, and excluding women’s presence, has jeopardized the importance of inclusive dialogue.

  • نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
  • منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency