Mon Sep 23 21:27:27 UTC 2024: ## Irish Officials Spotlight Afghan Women’s Rights at UN Event
**New York, NY** – Tánaiste Micheál Martin joined renowned actress Meryl Streep and other officials at a UN event on Monday, focusing on the plight of Afghan women under the Taliban regime. The event, co-hosted by Ireland, Switzerland, Indonesia, and Qatar, aimed to explore ways to ensure women’s inclusion in the future of Afghanistan.
The event included the screening of a short documentary, introduced by Ms. Streep, showcasing the participation of four Afghan women leaders in Doha peace talks prior to the Taliban takeover. The Taliban’s subsequent ban on women’s participation in politics has drawn international condemnation, with Ireland being among several countries that strongly criticized the move at a recent UN-Taliban meeting.
The event was part of the UN high-level week, where leaders from across the globe gather to discuss policy and global affairs. Other Irish officials attending include Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan, Taoiseach Simon Harris, and President Michael D Higgins.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Taoiseach Harris will hold a bilateral meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. This meeting will be the first since Ireland recognized the state of Palestine in May, and comes amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank.
Mr. Harris stated his intention to discuss how Ireland can support the Palestinian Authority in achieving a two-state solution, enabling peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. He will also hold bilateral meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
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