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BRUSSELS (dawatmedia24)– In a firm commitment to address one of the world’s most severe human rights crises, Gilles Bertrand, the newly appointed European Union Special Envoy for Afghanistan, has declared that supporting Afghan women and girls facing “unprecedented restrictions” will be the cornerstone of his mandate.

The announcement, made in a statement on Tuesday, September 30, signals the EU’s intent to maintain a high level of diplomatic focus on Afghanistan, balancing critical humanitarian engagement with unwavering advocacy for fundamental rights.

A Mandate Forged in Crisis

Bertrand’s comprehensive mandate, as outlined by the EU, will focus on five key pillars:

Supporting the Afghan people through continued humanitarian aid and basic needs assistance.

Safeguarding human rights, with a specific emphasis on the rights of women, girls, and minorities.

Facilitating the delivery of impartial humanitarian aid in a complex operating environment.

Combating terrorism and ensuring regional security.

Promoting regional stability through coordinated diplomacy.

“One of my key priorities will be to ensure that the European Union remains a strong supporter of the Afghanistan people, especially women and girls, who have borne the brunt of the current crisis,” Bertrand stated. He emphasized a policy of “principled engagement,” a approach that seeks to maintain dialogue with the de facto authorities without granting political recognition, all while consistently advocating for human rights.

Navigating a Complex Diplomatic Landscape

To achieve this, Bertrand pledged to work closely with EU member states, key international partners like the United Nations and the United States, and crucially, with Afghan civil society organizations, both inside and outside the country. “I will ensure the Union’s unified stance is heard and understood at both regional and global levels,” he added.

This diplomatic effort will be critical as the EU navigates its relationship with the Taliban, which has systematically eroded women’s rights since returning to power. The bans on secondary and university education for girls, the exclusion of women from most public sector jobs, and severe restrictions on freedom of movement have effectively erased women from public life.

A Seasoned Diplomat for a Daunting Challenge

Bertrand, a seasoned French diplomat, brings relevant experience from some of the world’s most challenging postings. He served as the head of the EU’s political section in Kabul from 2003 to 2004, giving him foundational knowledge of the country. His subsequent leadership of EU delegations in conflict-ridden Syria and post-conflict Colombia has equipped him with deep expertise in operating in fragile and complex environments.

He succeeds Tomas Niklasson, who served as the EU’s Special Envoy from 2021 until March 2025, steering the bloc’s initial response following the Taliban takeover.

Analysts Weigh In on the Challenges Ahead

Regional analysts suggest Bertrand’s background will be vital. “The EU is walking a tightrope,” said Dr. Anisa Rahimi, a Senior Analyst for the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. “It must find a way to deliver life-saving aid to a desperate population without legitimizing a regime that is committing gross human rights violations. Bertrand’s experience in Syria, where humanitarian access was constantly negotiated, will be directly applicable.”

She added that the focus on women and girls presents a particular challenge. “The Taliban view this as internal interference. Bertrand’s success will hinge on his ability to build a coalition with regional powers and within the UN Security Council to apply coordinated pressure, while simultaneously finding creative ways to channel direct support to Afghan women, such as through grassroots organizations and digital education initiatives.”

The appointment underscores that despite the immense challenges and limited leverage, the EU remains committed to keeping the plight of the Afghan people, and most acutely its women and girls, high on the international agenda. The world will be watching to see if Bertrand’s “principled engagement” can yield tangible results in the face of one of the most intractable human rights situations globally.

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