Afghanistan, Feb. 17 -- More than 60 Afghan civil society organizations and groups sent an open letter to the United Nations before the Doha Conference in Qatar, expressing worries about not being present at the conference.

The letter comes as the Doha conference on Afghanistan is being held on Sunday and Monday of this week. The letter states, "We have no chance to participate in the gathering that determines the fate of our country."

The letter focused on the non-recognition of the Taliban regime, the recognition of "gender apartheid" in Afghanistan, education and employment opportunities for women, and preventing the abuse of human rights by the Taliban.

Additionally, the letter states, "Do not undermine the education needed for the...