“The most promising track to build a coherent opposition outside (of Afghanistan) is the Vienna process (
).”

Chatham House, 2023

On this page, we compile all media reports, background information, and official communications related to the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan. This includes coverage from diverse media outlets, detailed analyses, and our correspondence with key stakeholders, such as letters addressed to UN Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres and the latest endorsement from the U.S. Congress. Our aim is to provide a transparent view of how our initiative is represented in the media and the global dialogue, ensuring that visitors have access to a comprehensive repository of the conversations and actions influencing the future of Afghanistan.
 
“Why a Government in Exile is not Feasible for Afghanistan”

In the aftermath of the Taliban’s resurgence and subsequent takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country’s political and humanitarian landscapes have deteriorated significantly. Despite discussions of forming a government in exile, key challenges—including establishing legitimacy, garnering support from the Afghanistan populace, and addressing urgent humanitarian needs—undermine the feasibility of such an approach.

The Vienna Process, however, offers a more pragmatic alternative by fostering collaboration among Afghan factions and centering inclusivity and dialogue as essential components of any political solution. By unifying opposition efforts and engaging with international stakeholders, this initiative holds potential for creating a sustainable governance framework to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.

  • Date: September, 2024

In a strong show of support for Afghanistan’s democratic future, U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett introduced a bill reinforcing U.S. involvement in the Vienna Process, which unites Afghan political factions opposed to Taliban rule. The bill formally condemns the Taliban as a terrorist organization and urges greater international engagement in the platform of the Vienna Process. In response, the Vienna Process expressed its gratitude in a formal letter, emphasizing the importance of continued international support for a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan.

  • Date: September, 2024

The Vienna Process is emerging as a more inclusive and just mechanism for peace in Afghanistan compared to the Doha Document. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Afghans inside and outside the country have resisted the oppressive regime, which is marked by gender apartheid and widespread human rights abuses.

Initiated in 2022, the Vienna Process unites anti-Taliban forces—including women’s movements, civil society, and media representatives—to build a sustainable political future for Afghanistan. With its Afghan-led and Afghan-owned approach, the Process offers a framework for inclusive dialogue aimed at reshaping the country’s political landscape, free from fear and terror.

As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in May 2023, “The United Nations stands in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan” and supports efforts to restore the rights of women and girls. With growing international and regional support, the Vienna Process presents a critical opportunity to foster lasting peace and democracy in Afghanistan.

  • Date: August, 2024

In an exclusive interview with Silk Way Weekly in August 2024, Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch, a member of the Strategic Steering Committee of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, shared insights into the initiative. Dr. Petritsch highlighted that the process is currently in the initial phase of analyzing the best possible political system for Afghanistan. He emphasized the importance of unity among anti-Taliban representatives, including women and civil activists, who gathered in Vienna for the fourth round of discussions. This interview underscores the distinctiveness of the Vienna Process, with its focus on inclusivity and anti-Taliban forces, as a critical platform for shaping Afghanistan’s future.

  • Date: July 14, 2024

Vienna hosted the fourth round of the “Vienna Process,” gathering nearly seventy anti-Taliban representatives, including women and civil activists. The summit emphasized the need for unity among opposition factions and highlighted the contrast between the Vienna and Doha processes, with Vienna’s inclusivity and focus on anti-Taliban forces making it increasingly significant. Despite limited international attention, the Vienna Process is emerging as a crucial and potentially superior platform for shaping Afghanistan’s future.

In Vienna, discussions have intensified under the auspices of the Austrian Institute for International Politics (OIIP) as part of the fourth meeting in the “Vienna Process.” This meeting has brought together Afghan organizations and activists from around the world to deliberate on establishing a democratic framework for Afghanistan, currently under Taliban control. The participants urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to facilitate dialogue involving the Taliban, political groups, and civil society. They also criticized the Doha Process for exclusively permitting Taliban participation, sidelining other crucial voices from the Afghan community. The conference in Vienna aims to create inclusive solutions that consider all ethnic groups and particularly focus on the inclusion of women, who have been significantly marginalized under the Taliban regime.

In a recent parliamentary session, Member of Parliament Petra Bayr commended the Vienna Process for its pivotal role in fostering dialogue among Afghan opposition groups and diaspora organizations. Bayr highlighted how the initiative, led by Wolfgang Petritsch, provides a unique platform in Vienna for these groups to engage in discussions aimed at shaping a democratic and human rights-based future for Afghanistan. She stressed the importance of hearing the voices of Afghans living in exile, including former legislators, judges, and minority representatives, to ensure that any democratic transition includes the diverse perspectives of the Afghan community. Bayr also called for continued support and promotion of such initiatives, recognizing their potential to contribute significantly to Afghanistan’s path towards democracy, even considering a realistic scenario where the Taliban might be part of the democratic process.

The third UN meeting on Afghanistan in Doha, scheduled for the upcoming Sunday and Monday, is under intense scrutiny as it marks the first participation of the Taliban since their 2021 return to power. The dialogue, criticized for excluding key topics such as women’s and human rights, has sparked a sharp rebuke from various human rights organizations.

In Vienna, the Austrian Institute for International Policy (OIIP) hosted a concurrent meeting focused on forging democratic prospects for Afghanistan. Key figures, including the diplomat Wolfgang Petritsch, highlighted the Vienna Process as a critical global platform for Afghan opposition. This process is uniquely positioned to facilitate in-depth discussions and develop democratic frameworks that could shape the future of Afghanistan.

This series of talks in Vienna represents a direct counterpoint to the proceedings in Doha, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and the active participation of all segments of Afghan society, especially women, in any future democratic arrangements. The contrast between the two meetings underscores the international community’s divided approach to dealing with Afghanistan’s complex political landscape.

Opposition Leader Ahmad Massoud Aims to Unite the Nation, Including Women’s Voices

During the fourth day of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, held from June 24 to 26, 2024, in Vienna, key discussions focused on the integration of democratic principles into the future governance of Afghanistan. Opposition leader Ahmad Massoud emphasized the critical need to unify the country, explicitly advocating for the inclusion of women’s voices in the political process.

Massoud and other leaders deliberated on mechanisms to ensure that a future Afghan government would not only be democratically elected but also inclusive and representative of all segments of Afghan society. This includes women, who have been significantly marginalized under Taliban rule. The conference highlighted the importance of creating a political environment where women can actively participate and lead.

Strategies discussed involved educational reforms, legal protections for women’s rights, and economic initiatives to empower women economically and politically. The overarching theme was clear: for Afghanistan to thrive democratically, it must engage all its citizens in the governance process, truly reflecting the diversity of its population.

  • Date: June, 26, 2024

During the tightly secured and scarcely publicized fourth gathering in Vienna, nearly 70 Afghan opposition members, former governors, and activists convened to deliberate on the prospects for a democratic Afghanistan. The Vienna Process has emerged as a vital platform for Afghan opposition worldwide, regularly facilitating discussions aimed at fostering an intra-Afghan dialogue based on democratic principles.

The participants, including high-profile figures such as Ahmad Massoud and former foreign minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta, explored strategies for establishing a government legitimized through elections, stressing the need for an inclusive, pluralistic approach that might, eventually, integrate politically inclined Taliban members. However, the overriding consensus was that any decisions on governance should be determined by the Afghan populace.

The Vienna Process continues to serve as a vital forum for discussing democratic solutions for Afghanistan, marking the third gathering of Afghan group representatives in Austria. The discussions, aimed at forging plans for an Afghanistan free from terror and Taliban influence, were spearheaded by OIIP President Wolfgang Petritsch and Afghan Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari. Key participants included Afghan opposition leader Ahmad Massoud, who, along with a high-ranking delegation, addressed the dire humanitarian and human rights situation, particularly the exclusion of girls and women from public life. The session underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue for addressing these critical issues.

  • Date: February, 2020

The Doha Accords, signed between the U.S. and the Taliban, established a framework for peace in Afghanistan by outlining key commitments such as the withdrawal of U.S. forces and counterterrorism assurances from the Taliban. While these accords laid the groundwork for future negotiations, including intra-Afghan dialogue, the agreement itself faced significant criticism for not addressing human rights or the role of Afghan civil society. The Vienna Process builds on this foundation by extending the dialogue to include a broader range of Afghan voices, especially those marginalized in the Doha talks, such as women, civil society groups, and opposition factions. The Vienna Process aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable political settlement that the Doha Accords could not achieve alone.

Authored by Afghan women who participated in the 2nd Vienna Conference, this letter expresses deep concerns about their exclusion from a UN-hosted meeting in Doha. The correspondence criticizes the global community’s insufficient response to the Taliban’s oppressive policies towards women and girls and demands stronger, actionable measures from the United Nations. It urges the imposition of sanctions on Taliban leaders, guarantees for Afghan women’s representation at international discussions, and accountability for the Taliban’s human rights violations, emphasizing the necessity for a substantive response from global leaders.

In his letter, Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledges the concerns raised by Afghan women regarding the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. He condemns the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s higher education and employment, including at NGOs and the UN, as violations of human rights with serious humanitarian consequences. Guterres highlights the United Nations’ commitment to support the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan, especially in advocating for the reversal of policies restricting women’s rights. He reiterates the UN’s solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and underscores the importance of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in society.

In early December 2023, the Vienna International Development and Cooperation (VIDC) hosted the Afghan Civil Society Forum in Vienna, gathering Afghan diaspora groups and civil society organizations from across Europe. This event was a cornerstone for the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, emphasizing the critical role of civil society in peacebuilding and state formation post-Taliban rule. The forum highlighted discussions on reconciliation, sustainable peace, and the empowerment of women and minority groups within Afghanistan. It also stressed the importance of engaging Afghan youth in the peace process, underscoring the need for a united approach to ensure a democratic future for Afghanistan. This gathering not only addressed the challenges but also mapped out strategic actions necessary for the Afghan civil society and diaspora to actively participate in shaping an inclusive governance structure.

On April 24, 2023, in Vienna, a significant meeting took place involving 30 political figures from various Afghan opposition groups. This event was extensively covered by Pajhwok, Afghanistan’s leading independent news agency. The meeting focused on discussions about the future political landscape of Afghanistan, showcasing the collaborative efforts under the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan. The gathering emphasized the importance of integrating diverse political voices in the pursuit of a peaceful and inclusive governance system in Afghanistan.

The third round of the Vienna Conference concluded with significant developments. The final declaration renewed commitments to democracy, human rights, and national unity as fundamental components for a democratic Afghanistan. Participants underscored the UN’s critical role, urging it to enforce measures that ensure peace, stability, and fair humanitarian aid distribution. A key aspect of the declaration was the endorsement of a roadmap aimed at unifying opposition forces against the Taliban, reflecting a strategic push to strengthen political cohesion among these groups. Although details of the roadmap remain undisclosed, its intent marks a crucial advancement in consolidating efforts against the Taliban’s rule. The roadmap symbolizes hope, particularly among the younger opposition forces, proposing a unified political and military front to intensify resistance both within and outside Afghanistan. This conference has ignited a renewed vigor among regional countries and opposition groups, setting a foundational step towards the potential realization of a democratic Afghanistan. This report was published in Hasht-e Sub, the leading independent daily newspaper of Afghanistan, known for its extensive coverage throughout the country.

Two years after the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan remains in turmoil, significantly affecting its citizens, particularly women and girls, and posing threats to regional stability and global security. Western support for opposition groups seeking a democratic and inclusive Afghanistan is minimal, despite the crucial need to protect the social progress made over the past two decades. The Vienna Process, highlighted during meetings in Vienna, Austria, aims to unite Afghan opposition groups to draft a roadmap for restoring constitutional governance. This initiative, supported by private foundations, underscores the need for a coordinated international effort to support democratic opposition and prevent the Taliban from consolidating power.

Christian Reder, a dedicated human rights activist, has long championed the cause of Afghanistan, working alongside his wife, Ingrid, for decades. Despite the devastating impact of over 40 years of conflict on Afghanistan, Reder remains committed to making a difference through individual initiatives. Recently, he has been instrumental in supporting the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, a series of conferences aimed at fostering democratic dialogue and outlining a roadmap for Afghanistan’s future. These events brought together Afghan exiles and international experts to discuss women’s rights, democratic perspectives, and the role of civil society in rebuilding Afghanistan. The Vienna Process, supported by prominent figures like Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch and Afghan ambassador Manizha Bakhtari, has generated significant international attention, including a supportive response from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Reder’s unwavering dedication to the Vienna Process underscores the potential of exiled Afghan communities to contribute to a peaceful and democratic future for Afghanistan. This report was published in Liga-Magazin, the leading independent publication focused on human rights issues.

At the recent civil society forum held in Vienna, representatives of the Afghan diaspora from nine European countries gathered to discuss the future of Afghanistan, ahead of the “3rd Vienna Conference for a Democratic Afghanistan.” Hosted by the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation (VIDC), the forum emphasized inclusive peace and the central role of women in negotiations. Afghan human rights activist Hora Mosadiq highlighted the need to prioritize women in all discussions related to Afghanistan’s peace process.

The 40 participants, including peace researchers and human rights defenders, discussed enhancing coordination between diaspora organizations, NGOs, and international actors. Key outcomes presented at the 3rd Vienna Conference included demands for the participation of all Afghans, regardless of ethnic and linguistic diversity, and the crucial involvement of Afghan youth in the peace process. The forum provided significant momentum for furthering an inclusive and sustainable peace in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for equal participation of women in all negotiations. This report was published by Vindobona, focusing on the critical discussions and outcomes of the Vienna Forum.

From September 15-17, 2022, approximately 25 Afghan politicians and activists, including Ahmad Massoud, gathered in Vienna to unify opposition forces against the Taliban regime. Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF) and son of the legendary resistance figure Ahmad Shah Massoud, emphasized the inevitability of the Taliban regime’s downfall due to its incompetence and internal divisions. The conference, organized by the Austrian Aid Committee for Afghanistan and supported by prominent diplomat Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch, aimed to prepare democratic structures for Afghanistan’s future and highlighted the necessity of a political solution to the current crisis.

Massoud stressed the need for international attention on Afghanistan despite other global crises, pointing out the ongoing human rights violations and the presence of terrorist groups within the country. The conference underscored the shared goal of creating a democratic and inclusive future for Afghanistan, despite the challenges of uniting diverse political and social groups. This significant event was a step towards consolidating the opposition and fostering hope for a better Afghanistan. This report was published in DerStandard, a leading independent Austrian newspaper.

The Vienna Process conference was taking place, with key figures including Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, and diplomat Dr. Wolfgang Petritsch. Massoud emphasized that peace in Afghanistan requires an inclusive society and legitimate government, and that dialogue with the Taliban is essential.

Around 25 Afghan politicians, activists, and scholars gathered in Vienna, with some joining online. Organized by the Austrian Aid Committee for Afghanistan, the conference aimed to create a vision for a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan. Dr. Petritsch highlighted the importance of a political process over military solutions, and Massoud stressed the need for international support and unity among Afghan groups.

In an interview with Die Presse, Ahmad Massoud, son of the “Lion of Panjshir” and leader of the National Resistance Front, discussed the Taliban regime and his plans for Afghanistan. Massoud emphasized his commitment to continue fighting against the Taliban following the fall of Kabul. He questioned the ability to find a reasonable Taliban member and highlighted the challenges his troops faced in holding the Panjshir Valley. He also spoke about the Vienna Process and its role in uniting opposition forces to create a democratic and inclusive future for Afghanistan. This report was published by DiePresse.

Euronews interviewed Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan and son of the legendary “Lion of Panjshir,” Ahmad Shah Massoud. In the interview, Ahmad Massoud discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s return to power, and his ongoing resistance efforts. He emphasized the need for international support and the importance of a political solution to the crisis, highlighting the Vienna Process as a crucial mechanism for uniting Afghan opposition forces and preparing for a democratic future in Afghanistan. Massoud also shared personal reflections on his father’s legacy and his own commitment to fighting for Afghanistan’s freedom and sovereignty. This report was published by Euronews.

The third Vienna Conference for Afghan opposition, held at the Bruno Kreisky Forum, concluded with a call to end the Taliban’s repressive regime. The conference, part of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, brought together 50 exiled Afghan politicians, resistance fighters, clerics, and human rights activists. Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front and son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, highlighted the need for international support and warned against recognizing the Taliban, stating that such recognition would embolden terrorists globally.

Wolfgang Petritsch, President of the Austrian Institute for International Politics, emphasized the aim of forming a broad coalition to find a political solution for Afghanistan with the support of the international community. Despite growing signs of rapprochement between the UN, the US, and the Taliban, the Vienna Process seeks to counter this trend and push for a democratic and inclusive future for Afghanistan. This report was published in DerStandard.

Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front and son of the famed “Lion of Panjshir,” addressed the need for increased political pressure on the Taliban regime during a recent conference in Vienna. Highlighting the importance of the Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan, Massoud emphasized that the opposition’s roadmap is progressing and crucial for uniting democratic forces in Afghanistan. He expressed disappointment over the international community’s shifting focus due to other global conflicts and criticized the potential recognition of the Taliban, arguing that it would be a betrayal to the Afghan people and the values of democracy and human rights.

Massoud called for collective international support and rejected any notion of the Taliban’s purported moderation, citing their continued oppression, especially towards women. He stressed the importance of a political solution and continuous international pressure to compel the Taliban into meaningful dialogue. The conference underscored the shared commitment to fighting for Afghanistan’s democratic future amidst challenging circumstances. This report was published in DerStandard.

Two years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban’s hold on the country remains tenuous. Internal tensions within the Taliban, especially between the Haqqani network and the Kandahar leadership, threaten to destabilize their control. Despite this fragility, the international community has been slow to support an effective opposition to Taliban rule, which could prevent Afghanistan from descending into chaos.

The Vienna Process has held multiple conferences and established a working group to form a “single national umbrella organization” against the Taliban. This effort, backed by private foundations and without government involvement, aims to create a coherent opposition platform. This report was published in Chatham House.

Legal Information

Vienna Process for a Democratic Afghanistan

Imprint