Afghanistan Women Protest Against Taliban Rule Ahead Of UN Summit

A group of Afghan women marched in Kabul, calling on foreign nations to not officially recognize the Taliban government ahead of the United Nations summit.

Despite the Taliban's efforts to clamp down on dissent, small groups of women have continued to stage sporadic gatherings, including this latest protest in a residential area in Kabul.

The women chanted slogans such as "Recognition of Taliban - violation of women's rights," and "Afghan people, hostages of Taliban."

Diplomats, NGOs, and aid agencies are divided over whether international recognition should be granted to the Taliban, with some believing it could be used to pressure the Taliban into reversing curbs on women's rights, while others argue it would grant legitimacy to a government that has been squeezing women out of public life.

The UN has stated that the "de facto authorities" of Afghanistan have not been invited to the upcoming Doha conference, which will discuss a way forward for Afghanistan, including aid operations, which have been hampered by the Taliban government's order barring Afghan women from working for the world body.

In the latest protest, around 25 women marched in Kabul ahead of the upcoming United Nations summit, urging foreign nations to not recognize the Taliban government.

The United Nations summit in Doha next week will discuss a "durable way forward" for Afghanistan, including aid operations that have been hampered by the Taliban government's order barring Afghan women from working for the world body.