Canada deems absence of independent voices at Doha meeting disappointing

The Canadian Foreign Ministry described the absence of Afghan women, religious and ethnic groups, and human rights activists from the main Doha meeting as “deeply disappointing” in a statement issued on Sunday.

The ministry stated that without meaningful and equal participation of Afghan women in the Doha meeting, none of its objectives would be achieved.

Canada expressed deep dissatisfaction with the United Nations for not allowing independent Afghan faces outside the Taliban to attend the main Doha meeting, stating it would raise its protest with the UN this week.

Canada considers full, equal, and meaningful participation of Afghan women in the Doha meeting as a fundamental principle for the women’s agenda, peace, security, and conditions for peaceful, stable, and inclusive Afghanistan on women’s participation.

Like the United States, Canada also sent a representative to Doha despite criticism of the composition of participants.

The Canadian Foreign Ministry stated it consulted with Afghan civil society, human rights groups, and women to hear their concerns.

Canada’s representative, David Sproule, will advocate at Doha using voices on Taliban rights abuses. Canada seeks a UN special envoy for human rights and gender, tasked with implementing UN resolutions and promoting Afghan women’s participation.

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