KABUL – The United Nations Credentials Committee has once again denied the Taliban’s claim to Afghanistan’s seat, marking the third deferral of such a decision. On December 6, 2023, the Committee reviewed conflicting communications from the Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan and the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dated August 25, 2023, and September 17, 2023, respectively, these communications prompted the Committee to postpone its consideration of the credentials for representatives of Myanmar and Afghanistan. The decision, made during the seventy-eighth session, was adopted without a vote.

As a result of this deferral, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, representing Afghanistan’s former government, maintains his position at the UN. Faiq, appointed by the previous government, currently serves as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

This is the third time the UN has rejected the transfer of Afghanistan’s seat to the Taliban since their takeover in August 2021. The UN has outlined specific criteria for recognition, including the Taliban’s commitment to women’s rights, an inclusive government, and fulfillment of international obligations, such as access to education and employment.

Culled from Afghanistan Times