London meeting highlights humanitarian crisis and internet blackout
International partners have issued a stark warning to the Taliban over its continued restrictions on human rights, women’s freedoms and basic services in Afghanistan, following two days of talks in London.
Special Representatives for Afghanistan from the G7 nations and partners including Australia, South Korea, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey met last week with the UK chairing the discussions in its role as group lead.
They were briefed by Georgette Gagnon, the UN’s Deputy Special Representative and Officer-in-Charge of the UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan.
Human rights under attack
The joint statement condemned the Taliban’s ongoing denial of rights and freedoms, particularly for women and girls. Officials expressed alarm at restrictions on access to education, healthcare, employment and public life, as well as the recent ban on Afghan female staff entering UN compounds.
Participants called on the Taliban to comply with its international obligations, warning that the group’s actions were deepening Afghanistan’s isolation. They also voiced alarm at the Taliban’s decision to shut down internet services, arguing that the blackout would harm aid delivery, undermine the economy and cut Afghans off from the outside world.
Terrorism and regional instability
Security concerns also dominated the talks, with the group highlighting the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan and the cross-border migration pressures this has triggered. Delegates praised the role of regional actors in containing these risks but agreed more cooperation was needed on counterterrorism.
Humanitarian crisis intensifies
The discussions also focused on the worsening humanitarian situation, including September’s deadly earthquake, mass deportations of Afghans from neighbouring states and the urgent need to position resources before winter.
Participants underlined the role of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in maintaining basic services for Afghans. They stressed the importance of ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable and is not diverted.
UN coordination and inclusive future
The meeting reviewed the UN-led ‘Comprehensive Approach’ to Afghanistan, urging better coordination within the UN system. Delegates said they hoped the incoming Special Representative of the Secretary-General would accelerate progress towards a unified strategy.
Crucially, the statement stressed that Afghanistan’s future must be built on inclusive governance and political pluralism. Officials emphasised that without meaningful engagement with diverse Afghan voices, long-term stability would remain out of reach.
Call for Taliban to engage
The closing message from the London summit was directed squarely at the Taliban. Participants urged the group to engage constructively and in good faith with the international community. Without progress on rights, governance and security, they warned, Afghanistan risks remaining locked in a humanitarian crisis and political isolation.
