Our recent X Space brought together leading voices in human rights,asylum law, and women’s activism to critically analyze the UN’s Mosaic Plan for Afghanistan.
Speakers raised serious concerns about the plan’s vagueness, lack of transparency and failure to include Afghan civil society—especially women and minorities.
Below is a detailed summary of the discussion.
Dr. Melissa Skye Chiovenda – Human Rights Specialist.
Dr.Skye opened by stressing how unclear the plan remains:
It’s difficult to evaluate the plan because its full contents haven’t been made public.
But what we do know suggests a troubling imbalance: international actors are expected to make clear and measurable concessions—like unfreezing assets or lifting sanctions—while what’s expected from the Taliban remains vague and undefined.
She shared that Afghans inside and outside the country showed cautious optimism—many are desperate for economic relief—but ultimately stressed:
Everyone I spoke with said the same thing: no concessions should be made unless the Taliban demonstrate real,concrete change first.
Dr. Skye also questioned what“inclusive governance” really means in this context:
Will it mean just appointing a few token figures from ethnic groups or women?
Or will it mean meaningful power-sharing and representation? We don’t know and that uncertainty is deeply troubling.
She highlighted the centralized and uncompromising nature of the Taliban’s leadership:
Power remains tightly held, especially by Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada.
There’s no indication that he’s willing to compromise on critical human rights issues.
So,even if negotiations happen,will anything actually change on the
Faezeh Veghar Asylum Lawyer
Veghar focused on how the plan could harm Afghan asylum seekers and migrants:
In Sweden,most Afghan men are now expected to return—even those with mental health issues or from persecuted minorities.
Meanwhile,in countries like Greece,asylum is still granted.
It’s inconsistent and unfair.”
She warned that the Mosaic Plan could be used as a justification for more deportations:
If the Taliban are treated as legitimate partners, governments may claim that Afghanistan is safe for return—even though we know it’s not,especially for women,minorities and politically active individuals.”
Veghar also criticized the way protection is granted:
“For women, the threshold is still too high.
You need to be almost famous—like a social media activist—to be believed. And for men, political activism is often dismissed.
It’s a double standard that ignores the reality of risk in Afghanistan.
She called for more documentation of rights violations against political activists:
Just like we gathered evidence to shift asylum rules for women, we now need the same for activists—men and women—who are targeted just for speaking out.”
Nilofar Ayoubi Women’s Rights Activist
Nilofar Ayoubi gave a powerful critique of the Mosaic Plan:
This plan was made without us.
Afghan women,civil society, and protest leaders were not consulted. It reads like a plan written with AI—shallow,unclear and detached from our real experiences.
She questioned the credibility of the stakeholders involved:
Once again,we see names like Doha Format members and sanctioned states,but nothing concrete about real Afghan voices.
Who are these so-called stakeholders? Where are the women who’ve resisted the Taliban since day one?”
Ayoubi pointed out that the failures of the past are being repeated:
“After four years of Doha talks,we saw no meaningful results.
Now the same structures are being recycled. This plan seems more focused on benefiting the Taliban and unlocking frozen funds than protecting our
Final Thoughts from Dr. Skye and Faezeh Veghar
Dr.Skye emphasized that even if engagement is necessary, it must be done responsibly:
Yes,total isolation can also harm ordinary Afghans. But giving in without conditions only empowers those who are harming them.
If civil society groups aren’t involved and if transparency doesn’t improve,this plan risks doing more harm than good.
Faezeh Veghar concluded with a call to action:
Migration and protection should not be dictated by politics.
Human rights are not optional.
We,as the diaspora and allies,must keep pushing for transparency,protection and inclusion.
Afghanistan women and minorities cannot be left behind Again.
All speakers strongly agreed:
No concessions should be made to the Taliban without clear,enforceable commitments.
Afghan civil society,women and minorities must be at the center of any peace process.
The Mosaic Plan, as it currently stands,lacks credibility,clarity and inclusion.
The international community must act with integrity—not convenience.
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