Guterres: Engagement with Taliban difficult, but isolation is worse

KABUL: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that engaging with the Taliban is not the best option, but a complete break with this group is an even worse choice. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Guterres noted that interaction with the Taliban has had some “positive effects” in certain areas. He referenced collaboration in supporting the private sector, which he claimed has “enabled women to work in various fields in Afghanistan.” However, Guterres acknowledged that the Taliban have not reversed their policies banning women’s work and education. He pointed out that UN female staff are prohibited from accessing their offices, but the organization has been allowed to employ women in open areas, such as field missions. He described the Taliban’s obstruction of the UN female staff’s ability to work as “extremely disheartening and unacceptable.” Susan Ferguson, the UN Women’s special representative, stated in a press release last month that the UN needs female workers, as aid for Afghan women must reach them through female aid workers. She emphasized that only through their presence can they safely access women and girls and deliver essential assistance to those most in need. She stated, “Aid should be provided by women, for women.” Last week, during a visit to Kabul, Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo discussed the lifting of the ban on women’s work and education with Taliban officials, but they did not respond positively to her request.