The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the appointment of Amanda McGregor as the new Special Representative for Afghanistan.

In a statement, the ministry wrote that McGregor will carry out her mission from Qatar.

Penny Wong, Australia's Foreign Minister, emphasised in a statement on Wednesday that her country will continue to work with like-minded countries to call out the Taliban on its abuse of human rights violations.

The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that McGregor has previously undertaken missions in Afghanistan, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Before working in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, McGregor served as a senior advisor at the Canadian Embassy in Zimbabwe and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Australia. She also worked for five years in the Australian Ministry of Defence.

She replaces Glenn Miles, the former Special Representative for Afghanistan.

In the statement from the Foreign Minister, it has been mentioned that Australia has been cooperating with the international community to support the people of Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control.

The Australian Foreign Minister also emphasised that her country has committed to providing USD 71 million in support for Afghan women and girls and humanitarian aid in Afghanistan from 2023 to 2024.

So far, no country has recognised the Taliban, and the group's policies towards women and girls over the past three years have been repeatedly criticised by Australia and other countries.