'Taliban will be judged by their actions, not words'

The G7 member states have reaffirmed that the Taliban will be held accountable for their actions, which include safeguarding human rights -- in particular those of women, girls and minorities -- and pursuing an inclusive political settlement in the war-ravaged country. 

Stating that it will judge the Afghan parties by their actions and not words, the G7 said the legitimacy of any future government depends on the approach the Taliban now takes to uphold its international obligations.

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The G7 is a group of seven member nations, including the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France and Italy, plus the European Union. 

The G7, this year under the presidency of the UK met virtually and discussed the unfolding security situation in Afghanistan. 

After the meeting, they issued a statement that said that the grouping will work with its allies and other nations to jointly address the critical questions facing the war-torn country today. 

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Secretary Generals of the United Nations and NATO also joined the virtual meeting.

The G7 members called for the prevention of a humanitarian crisis and for restraint to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable Afghan and international citizens. 

"We call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. There have been significant sacrifices made by the Afghan people, people of our own countries, and countless others toward a peaceful and secure future for Afghanistan," it said.

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The Afghan people deserve to live in dignity, peace and security, reflecting the last two decades of their political, economic and social achievements, in particular for women and girls, it said.

'Afghanistan must never again be terror haven'

The G7 members were of the view that the country must never again become a safe haven for terrorism, nor a source of terrorist attacks on others. 

The G7 members said that they will continue to fight terror along with their partners, especially NATO allies. 

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The grouping said that any future Afghan government must adhere to the country's international obligations and commitment to protecting citizens against terror, safeguarding human rights, particularly that of women, children, and ethnic and religious minorities, upholding the rule of law, allowing unconditional humanitarian access and countering human and drug trafficking effectively. 

The G7 members reiterated their support to the UN in coordinating the immediate international humanitarian response in the region, including unfettered humanitarian access in Afghanistan.

The G7 members will cooperate with other countries in the region on supporting Afghan refugees and host communities as part of a coordinated long-term regional response. 

The G7 further added that its immediate priority is to ensure the safe evacuation of Afghans who have helped them over the past 20 years.

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• G7 meeting
• G7 members
• Afghanistan
• Afghan people
• human rights
• peace in Afghanistan
• Taliban
• evacuation
• Diplomacy