UN Security Council Discussion on Engagement with Taliban
During a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday, various nations with shared interests in the Taliban and investments in Afghanistan encouraged Congress to consider engaging with the Taliban government despite its strict refusal to adhere to UN human rights standards.
Testimonies from human rights experts highlighted the severe violations perpetrated by the Taliban, particularly regarding the fundamental rights of women and girls. The consequences of the Taliban’s actions were notably felt after a September earthquake, where a woman was reportedly denied medical treatment while trapped under debris.
“Just two weeks ago, women and girls were prohibited from entering regular schools and are now barred from Islamic schools as well,” stated human rights advocate Hanifa Girowar.
She further pointed out that “if you’re an Afghan woman, you’re subject to selective punishment for participating in public life.”
While the US indicated that the international community’s approach to supporting and engaging with the Taliban has not yielded sustainable results, some countries continued to urge for unconditional engagement with the regime, emphasizing that it is crucial to uphold humanity despite the Taliban’s actions.
India, in an effort to dissociate from the Taliban, called on the UNSC to achieve “close engagement with the people of Afghanistan.” India’s representative, Parvathaneni Harish, mentioned the long-standing friendship between India and Afghanistan, which fosters mutual interests in peace and stability.
India has developed a close relationship with the Taliban, viewing it as a diplomatic achievement. The country has invested over $3 billion in various projects across Afghanistan, ranging from infrastructure developments to educational scholarships.
Iran, facing scrutiny for its treatment of women, also urged the UNSC members to engage with the Taliban, stating that the international community had “no choice” but to interact with them. They emphasized the importance of constructive involvement to combat the ongoing humanitarian and economic crises.
Kyrgyzstan echoed this sentiment, advocating for enhanced bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and economic development with the Taliban government. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan had already removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist groups, a move that Russia followed suit in 2025.
Russia has now recognized Taliban governance and called for strengthened ties with Kabul to address security issues. They expressed concern over the threats posed by the Islamic State – Khorasan (ISKP), labeling it as a significant danger in the region.
“We share the Secretary-General’s insights regarding Afghanistan’s complex internal political climate and acknowledge the security risks presented by ISKP,” a Russian representative noted.
The Chinese delegation emphasized the vast mineral resources in Afghanistan, suggesting that long-term engagement is necessary for integrating Afghanistan with the international community, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative. They pointed out that over 23 million Afghans need humanitarian assistance, lamenting that dwindling funding means only a fraction of these needs are being met.
