UN envoy: Patience running out for engagement with Taliban

A UN envoy has called for engagement with Afghanistan's de facto authorities to promote governance that works to benefit the Afghan people and respects the norms of the global community.

"Patience is running out by many in the international community regarding a strategy of engagement with Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities," Anadolu quotes Markus Potzel, the UN chief's deputy special representative for Afghanistan, as telling the UN Security Council.

Since taking over the government on August 15, 2021, any nation has not recognised the Taliban.

"If the Taliban do not respond to the needs of all elements of Afghan society and constructively engage within the very limited window of opportunity with the international community, it is unclear what would come next," he said.

Potzel issued a stark warning that further fragmentation, isolation, poverty, and internal conflict are among the likely scenarios, leading to potential mass migration and a domestic environment conducive to terror organizations and greater misery for the Afghan population.

"While success is not certain, continued qualified engagement remains the most realistic chance of achieving these objectives," he said.

The Taliban's takeover, followed by the disruption of international financial assistance, has left the worn-torn country in economic, humanitarian and human rights crises.

Women and girls have also been deprived of their rights, including education rights, and disappeared from the public under Taliban rule.

Thousands have lost their jobs or were forced to resign from government institutions and the private sector.

Girls have been prevented from attending middle and high school. Many Afghan women have demanded their rights be reinstated by taking to the streets, protesting and organizing campaigns.