Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee has said that the Taliban should not be recognized, while criticizing the recent visit by Taliban representatives to Brussels.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, McEntee questioned whether there had been any significant change in Afghanistan that would justify engaging with the Taliban in such a manner.
Referring to the Taliban’s recent trip to the European Union’s center, McEntee questioned whether the circumstances had changed enough to require countries to hold talks with the group at that level.
She stressed that United Nations member states and the broader international community should remain firm in their positions and demands concerning human rights in Afghanistan. She particularly highlighted restrictions imposed on women and girls under Taliban rule.
McEntee called for continued international pressure on the Taliban, emphasizing that countries should not step back from their demands regarding human rights and women’s rights.
Her remarks come amid ongoing international debate over how governments and international organizations should engage with the Taliban while addressing concerns over human rights and restrictions affecting women and girls.
The Taliban has sought greater international engagement and recognition since taking control of Afghanistan in August 2021, but it has not received formal recognition as Afghanistan’s government from the United Nations.