Addressed to the Government of the Russian Federation and the International Diplomatic Community
We, a collective of Afghan civil institutions, protest movements, and human rights organizations, express our profound concern and strong objection to the recent decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the Taliban as the governing authority in Afghanistan.
This decision is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of human rights and the Charter of the United Nations but also represents a blatant disregard for the will and suffering of millions of Afghan citizens — especially women, ethnic and religious minorities, former military and security personnel, journalists, and other victims who have endured widespread violations under Taliban rule.
Key reasons for our objection:
- The Taliban are not the legitimate representatives of the Afghan people. They seized power through force and violence, without any legal or electoral process, and have consistently refused to engage in dialogue with the people, civil society, or to hold elections.
- Women and girls have been systematically deprived of education, employment, social participation, and even the right to free movement. This constitutes a clear case of gender apartheid under international law.
- Former military personnel, police officers, government employees, and security forces have been subjected to arrest, torture, threats, and in some cases, execution.
- Journalists, civil activists, and human rights defenders have faced intense persecution and censorship, with many imprisoned or forced to flee. Independent media have effectively been dismantled.
- Recognizing the Taliban without any human rights preconditions or genuine reforms amounts to legitimizing violence and entirely abandoning principles of justice and human rights.
Dangerous consequences of this decision:
- This decision may encourage other countries to normalize relations with the Taliban without accountability or reforms.
- It increases the risk of further repression, particularly against women, minorities, and independent voices.
- It will further erode the Afghan people’s trust in international law and the values of the global community.
- Additionally, by legitimizing the Taliban and signing formal agreements, there is a risk that other countries will regard Afghanistan as a “safe country,” thereby jeopardizing the asylum processes of thousands of Afghan refugees — including the risk of forced returns, closure of ongoing cases, and disregard for documented violence, discrimination, and threats.
Our appeal:
We respectfully call on the Government of the Russian Federation to:
- Reconsider its decision to recognize the Taliban;
- Acknowledge the suffering of the Afghan people and the victims of this repressive structure;
- And, instead of supporting a group that violates human rights, engage in international efforts for peace, justice, and an inclusive and humane future for Afghanistan — a future where women, journalists, former security forces, refugees, and minorities are not erased but supported.
We also call on the international community, the United Nations, the European Union, and regional governments to take a firm, clear, and rights-based stance to prevent the legitimization of the Taliban and to stand with the people of Afghanistan.
Signed: Afghan civil institutions, human rights organizations, and protest movements
Date: July 4, 2025
