Subject: Objection to the Delegation of Consular Responsibilities to Taliban Representatives
We, a coalition of Afghan women’s organizations, civil society groups, and migrant activists, express our deep concern and firm objection to the Norwegian government’s decision to delegate consular services to representatives of the Taliban group.
The Taliban is a structure that systematically violates human rights through the complete exclusion of women from social life, bans on education, suppression of civil liberties, and institutionalized gender discrimination. The official presence of Taliban representatives—even under the guise of administrative services—effectively paves the way for their gradual legitimization at the international level.
This decision contradicts Norway’s international commitments, particularly under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), human rights principles, and its supportive policies toward refugees. It also undermines the trust and psychological safety of thousands of Afghan migrants living in Norway.
We understand that providing consular services to migrants is a practical necessity, but this need should not be fulfilled through structures directly responsible for the suffering, forced migration, and identity crisis of the Afghan people.
Therefore, we call upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway to:
- Halt the process of delegating consular responsibilities to Taliban representatives;
- Refrain from any action that could be perceived as a step toward the de facto recognition of the Taliban;
- Provide consular services through alternative means such as former non-political staff, neutral institutions, or international organizations;
- And formally, effectively, and structurally include the voices of women, civil society institutions, and the migrant community in future policy-making regarding Afghanistan.
We believe that Norway, as a leading nation in defending human dignity, democracy, and equal rights, can and should continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan—especially its women.
Sincerely,