Afghan official says UN must hand Afghanistan’s seat to ‘Islamic Emirate’

Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador in Doha, has again urged the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat at the UN to the Taliban-led administration, arguing the current arrangement no longer reflects realities in the country.

In comments carried by Afghanistan’s TOLO News, Shaheen called on the United Nations Credentials Committee to recognise representatives nominated by the de-facto government in Kabul.

He said the UN should change its approach to Afghanistan’s representation, adding, “The United Nations should no longer make unilateral decisions in this regard. It must consider the will of the Afghan people and the current government, and grant the UN seat to the Islamic Emirate.”

The credentials question has remained unresolved since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Afghanistan’s UN mission in New York has continued to be represented by diplomats appointed under the previous, Western-backed government, while the Credentials Committee has repeatedly deferred a final decision.

Shaheen’s renewed appeal comes as many senior Taliban officials remain listed under United Nations sanctions regimes, including the Security Council’s Taliban-related sanctions framework, complicating international engagement.

Recognition of the current Afghan government has also been tied by several countries and international bodies to conditions that include respect for human rights, an inclusive political system, and credible steps against narcotics trafficking and terrorism. Taliban restrictions on women and girls, including limits on education and employment, have been a central point of international criticism.

Separately, Afghanistan has lost its voting rights at the UN General Assembly due to non-payment of its membership contributions. The annual fee is about $200,000, and accumulated arrears have risen to more than $900,000 since 2021, according to reports.

AnewZ contacted Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment on Shaheen’s remarks and the dues issue but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

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