Japan has called on the Taliban to respect human rights during talks held in Tokyo, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. This marks the first known visit by Taliban representatives to Japan since the group seized control of Afghanistan in 2021.
The discussions took place on Tuesday between Toshihide Ando, head of Japan’s Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, and senior Taliban officials. Among the Taliban delegation was Latif Nazari, Afghanistan’s deputy minister of economy, who participated in an informal “exchange of views” with Japanese officials.
Japan emphasized the importance of human rights, particularly regarding women’s rights, which have been severely restricted under Taliban rule. The Taliban have banned girls from secondary and higher education and imposed strict limitations on women’s dress and employment.
The Japanese government has been a key donor to Afghanistan, providing humanitarian aid and economic support. Tokyo used the meeting to reaffirm its commitment to assisting the Afghan people while pressing the Taliban to ease their restrictions on women and minorities.
Taliban officials have defended their policies, claiming they are based on Islamic principles and Afghan traditions. However, Japan and other international stakeholders continue to urge the group to adopt a more inclusive approach to governance.
The talks in Tokyo highlight Japan’s diplomatic efforts to engage with Afghanistan despite international concerns over the Taliban’s policies. Other countries have also held informal meetings with Taliban representatives but have been hesitant to grant official recognition.
The international community has largely condemned the Taliban’s human rights record, leading to Afghanistan’s isolation from global financial institutions. Foreign aid, once a crucial part of the country’s economy, has been severely reduced since the Taliban takeover.
Japan has taken a cautious approach, balancing humanitarian assistance with diplomatic pressure on the Taliban. While Tokyo has not recognized the Taliban government, it continues to seek dialogue to address humanitarian and economic challenges in Afghanistan.
The meeting also covered economic issues, with Taliban officials seeking investment and trade opportunities. Japan has expressed concerns about Afghanistan’s stability and its impact on regional security.
As the Taliban remain under pressure to improve their human rights record, Japan’s engagement may influence future discussions on Afghanistan’s international standing. Whether the Taliban respond positively to these calls remains uncertain, but the talks in Tokyo signal Japan’s ongoing role in global diplomatic efforts.
