Exiled Freedom Movement Condemns Invitation of the Taliban to the Brussels Meeting

Exiled Freedom Movement Condemns Invitation of the Taliban to the Brussels Meeting

Kabul Times News | Report by Tabsum Aslamiyar

The Exiled Freedom Movement has strongly condemned reports regarding the invitation of Taliban representatives to the Brussels meeting, describing the move as contrary to the principles of human rights, justice, and democratic values.

In a statement released by the movement, it was emphasized that since returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have systematically violated the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly women and girls. The movement stated that the exclusion of women from education, employment, and participation in social and political life, alongside widespread repression and restrictions, has pushed Afghanistan into one of the most severe human rights crises of recent times.

The Exiled Freedom Movement warned that the participation of the Taliban in international meetings and engagement with the group without consideration of its human rights record could be interpreted as legitimizing policies that many international organizations have described as clear violations of human rights and women’s rights.

The statement further stressed that any discussions regarding Afghanistan’s future must include genuine representatives of civil society, women, human rights defenders, journalists, and democratic forces. It argued that the fate of the country should not be determined solely in the presence of a group accused of imposing extensive restrictions on Afghan citizens.

The movement also called on the organizers of the Brussels meeting, participating governments, and international organizations to adopt a clear and principled stance toward Taliban policies and to ensure that the group’s participation is not perceived as a step toward normalizing what it described as “gender apartheid” and the systematic violation of human rights in Afghanistan.

In conclusion, the Exiled Freedom Movement reaffirmed its solidarity with Afghan women, girls, civil society activists, and all citizens striving for freedom, equality, and justice. It urged the international community to prioritize the voices of victims of human rights abuses and to continue supporting efforts aimed at securing fundamental freedoms and equal rights in Afghanistan.

The statement comes amid reports that Taliban representatives may participate in several international meetings concerning Afghanistan, a development that has sparked mixed reactions among human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and Afghan political groups.