Speech by Mr Burhanov, founder of the political opposition Movement “Erkin O’zbekiston” (Free Uzbekistan), at the 4th Session of the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference – 2024.

Thank you Madam Moderator.

Good afternoon colleagues, whom I have not seen. Mr. Hasanboy Burhanov, “Erkin O’zbekiston” Movement.

Three years have passed since the radical “Taliban” Movement seized power in Afghanistan by armed force. The Movement is classified as a terrorist organisation in some parts of the world. Key figures in their interim government are still under international sanctions.

Since the day the “Taliban” seized power, Afghan women have become the most powerless people in the world. There is already documented evidence of numerous ethnic oppressions in the northern provinces of Afghanistan.

We can also observe that when dealing with key regional issues, such as water, the “Taliban” political leadership ignores the opinion of neighbouring countries, preferring to solve the problem as they find fitting. When communicating with neighbouring countries, they prefer to use the language of ultimatum and blackmail.

“Taliban” propaganda voices are trying to convince Muslims in the neighbouring countries that the country lives under the Sharia law and that their society is the model of an Islamic state.

We have the moral authority to say that they are being disingenuous in their claims, since the basis of Sharia, that is, the code of Muslim law, is to ensure the rule of law for every citizen regardless of ethnicity and religion.

We urge OSCE participating States, including Uzbekistan, not to recognise or legitimise the radical “Taliban” Movement, which completely disregards fundamental human rights.

The recognition of their authority will be possible only when the “Taliban” political leadership forms an inclusive government and guarantees fundamental human rights to the citizens of Afghanistan, regardless of their ethnic and religious affiliation.

At the same time, dear colleagues, I would like to inform you that when Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. established the Islamic State, he did not ask for recognition from the United Nations, he did not hope for China’s help. Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. trusted only in Allah, in the observance of the Shariah law and in the solidarity of the faithful Muslims who sincerely supported him.

Thank you for your attention.