Attachments
By: Hamid A. Formuli
ISBN: 978-91-86910-97-6
Abstract
Afghanistan’s historical challenges with inclusivity have deepened under Taliban rule, exacerbating marginalisation, particularly concerning equal political participation and access to services, along gender, ethnic, language, religious and ideological lines. This research examines the state of inclusivity in governance, emphasising the right to equal participation and non-discrimination in public life. It also seeks to decipher what the popular term “inclusive government or governance” means to Afghans in practical terms, by exploring how this concept aligns with their expectations for equitable power and resource sharing.
Employing a mixed-methods approach – consisting of opinion surveys with Afghans residing across 34 provinces of Afghanistan, elite interviews with political and academic figures, open-source information, and document analysis – the research explores Afghan’s perception of political inclusivity; the actual state of inclusion and exclusion at both a policy and in-practice level of the de facto Taliban authorities; and, ultimately, the impact on the enjoyment of services, identifying patterns of ethnic, linguistic, religious and regional variations.
The findings reveal a bold rejection of tokenistic representation and ethnic appointments by invitation, favouring meaningful inclusion based on equal citizenry rights, merit and competence and, through democratic processes, the institutionalisation of power- and resource-sharing aimed at inclusive outcomes, such as laws, policies, and services. The research further reveals widespread imbalances in the Taliban’s governance structures, that consolidate power, and favour inclusion of a narrow demographic in the cabinet and beyond; and the marginalisation of women, ethnic, and religious minorities. It also uncovers variations in citizens’ enjoyment of government services, and both perception and lived experiences of discrimination, linked to their ethnic, gender, religious sect and political affiliations.
The study highlights the interconnectedness of inclusivity and human rights and advocates for a rightsbased framework grounded on equal citizenry, meritocracy, distributive justice, participatory dialogue and democratic processes as cornerstones of development and maintaining social cohesion and political stability. By addressing these critical dimensions of inclusivity, this work informs the national dialogue and offers actionable insights for policy-makers, civil society and international stakeholders.