The envoys and representatives of the European Union, US and European countries in a joint statement stressed that the type and scope of “international donor assistance will depend, among other things, on the right and ability of girls to attend equal education at all levels.”
The Islamic Emirate however said that the provision of aid should not become a political tool.
The meeting was held in Brussels, where the special envoy and representatives of EU, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States participated.
According to the statement, Deborah Lyons, SRSG for Afghanistan, also attended the meeting, which included technical sessions with the World Bank and UNICEF.
“Reaffirmed that progress towards normalized relations between the Taliban and the international community will depend mostly on the Taliban’s actions and their delivery on commitments and obligations to the Afghan people and to the international community,” the statement read.
The participants also expressed concerns over the human rights situation in Afghanistan, including those of ethnic and religious minorities and groups.
“If the Taliban is considering governance, they should reopen schools for all girls and boys. The development in the society depends on the development of men and women,” said Anisa Basheeri, a women’s rights activist.
The Islamic Emirate called on the international community to not politicalize humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
“The humanitarian issues and the political issues should be separated. The humanitarian issue should not be used as a tool. Afghans call for further aid to be provided,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
The schools for girls in grades 7-12 have remained closed for more than 200 days.
Meanwhile, some female teachers said they have not received their salaries and that they are living in uncertainty.
“All salaries have been paid by the Ministry of Education. The salaries of Jadi and Dalwa (last year) were paid in coordination with UNICEF,” said Aziz Ahmad Riyan, a spokesman for the Ministry of Education.
ons, met with the acting Minister of Information and Culture, Khairullah Khairkhwah, and she called for girls’ access to education.
