Russia Has Become The First Country To Formally Recognize The Taliban Government In Afghanistan
Human rights groups have condemned Russia’s move, saying it sets a “dangerous precedent” towards normalizing the Taliban regime without guaranteeing human rights.
Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized control of the country in 2021.
The move came on Thursday, July 3, after Russia formally recognized the Taliban-appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the recognition will lead to the “productive bilateral cooperation” between the countries, adding that Russia will seek cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s foreign ministry wrote on X that itis “a historic step” that “would set a good example for other countries”.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan has rolled back two decades of human rights gains, in particular those of women and minorities.
The Taliban has imposed major restrictions on women, including banning them from secondary and university education, movement and speaking aloud in public.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even requested in January 2025 the arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders over their roles in the persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Human rights groups have condemned Russia’s move, saying it sets a “dangerous precedent” towards normalizing the Taliban regime without guaranteeing human rights.
The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan also warned that the move could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide and undermine international accountability for human rights abuses.
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