The Taliban has renewed its demand for Afghanistan to gain representation at the United Nations after five years in power…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Days after marking five years of uninterrupted rule in Afghanistan, the Taliban has renewed its demand for the country to be represented at the United Nations, while rejecting reports of widespread restrictions on women working as “propaganda outside the country”.
Afghanistan has not been formally recognised by the UN or most of its member states since the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021. Russia became the first and only country to officially recognise the Taliban government in 2025, following the removal of the group from Russia’s list of terrorist organisations in April that year and the acceptance of a Taliban ambassador.
Around two dozen countries continue to maintain de facto diplomatic ties with the Taliban at varying levels. Russia and China host accredited Taliban diplomats and maintain embassies in Kabul, although Beijing has not formally recognised the regime.
India also maintains a presence in Kabul and diplomatic representation linked to Afghanistan, without officially recognising the Taliban government. Several Western countries continue to designate the Taliban as a terrorist organisation, while Afghan assets remain frozen and Taliban representatives face restrictions on international travel without prior UN approval.
Afghanistan’s Administrative Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi told TOLOnews that Kabul should have the right to send a representative to the United Nations, arguing that security has improved and poppy cultivation and drug trafficking have been brought to an end.
A recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also acknowledged improvements in the country’s security situation and a reduction in conflict.
“A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many Afghans and created opportunities to focus on recovery, development and regional economic cooperation, with positive steps taken including a ban on opium poppy cultivation,” the report said.
The report, however, also highlighted continuing concerns, particularly restrictions on women and girls and the threat posed by terrorism.
Hanafi rejected reports that women were broadly prohibited from working, saying women continued to be employed in healthcare, education and some government institutions while observing Islamic hijab requirements.
He also claimed that Afghanistan had an established government and that its territory was not being used to threaten other countries.
The issue remains a major point of tension with neighbouring Pakistan, which has repeatedly accused the Taliban of allowing groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or the Pakistani Taliban, to operate from Afghan territory. Islamabad has carried out several airstrikes inside Afghanistan, saying they targeted militant positions.
Kabul has disputed Pakistan’s claims and accused Islamabad of striking civilian areas. The two countries have also experienced intermittent border clashes, raising concerns over wider regional instability.
The United Nations has said that recognition of governments and decisions concerning Afghanistan’s representation at the world body are matters for member states.
TOLOnews quoted UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq as saying that no country had so far recognised the Taliban regime for the purpose of taking Afghanistan’s seat at the United Nations. He also said there was currently no process among member states to determine Afghanistan’s representation.
Afghan political analyst Maiwand Jurrat alleged that countries with influence at the UN, led by the US, had exerted pressure that prevented Kabul from gaining representation.
Women’s rights activists, however, have urged the Taliban to address restrictions affecting women and girls. One activist told TOLOnews that “We cannot under any circumstances ignore half of society. For more than four years, our future has remained uncertain, and we have been living in uncertainty”.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently appointed Bangladeshi diplomat Rabab Fatima as his Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.
The appointment comes as Kabul seeks greater engagement with the United Nations. Earlier this month, Zakir Jalali, Afghanistan’s Second Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a news agency that engagement between Kabul and the UN was “effective” but should be expanded at all levels, including Afghanistan’s representation at the world body.
The issue remains complicated by international concerns over women’s rights, terrorism and humanitarian conditions, even as the Taliban continues to press for greater diplomatic recognition.
Millions of Afghans continue to rely on humanitarian assistance, while international organisations and a limited number of countries work to provide support amid the country’s prolonged economic and humanitarian challenges.
