Dear Members and Supporters of Afghan LGBT Organization (ALO),
We express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent announcement by Amina Mohammad, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, of a conference to discuss the recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate governing authority in Afghanistan. As an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Afghanistan, we strongly condemn this decision.
The Taliban has a long and well-documented history of committing human rights abuses, particularly towards marginalized groups such as the LGBTQI+ community. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, there have been numerous reports of intensified violence and persecution of LGBTQI+ individuals, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and violence. The recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate governing authority in Afghanistan would only embolden and legitimize their ongoing human rights abuses, leading to further suffering and persecution of LGBTQI+ people.
At ALO, we firmly believe that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We urge the UN and all member states to prioritize the protection of human rights and to uphold the values of justice and equality in all their actions. It is essential that any future engagement or recognition of the Taliban be based on their willingness to uphold human rights and respect the rights of all individuals, including the LGBTQI+ community.
We call on Amina Mohammad and the UN to recognize the severe danger that the Taliban poses to the LGBTQI+ community in Afghanistan and to reject any form of recognition or engagement until the Taliban demonstrate a genuine commitment to respecting and upholding human rights. The recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate governing authority would not only undermine the ongoing efforts to protect human rights in Afghanistan but also jeopardize the safety and security of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
We remain committed to advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Afghanistan and will continue to raise awareness of the challenges faced by this marginalized group. We urge all our members and supporters to stand with us in calling on the UN to prioritize the protection of human rights and to reject any form of recognition or engagement with the Taliban until they demonstrate a genuine commitment to respecting and upholding human rights.
Sincerely,
Artemis Akbary
Executive Director and Founder of Afghan LGBT Organization (ALO)
