Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has called on the international community to prevent the normalisation of the Taliban’s repression and institutionalised discrimination in Afghanistan.
He made these remarks on Thursday, October 29, while presenting his report to the United Nations General Assembly.
Bennett stressed that after five years of ruling Afghanistan, the Taliban have not only failed to take action to end systematic human rights violations but have also intensified their repression.
He added that the Taliban’s recent decrees have further undermined women’s rights and created conditions conducive to violence against them.
Bennett emphasised that engagement with the Taliban must not lead to legitimising the group without clear and verified progress in the human rights situation.
The UN Special Rapporteur called on countries to take action to hold those responsible for serious human rights violations accountable, including through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and investigative mechanisms.
Bennett warned of the long-term consequences of depriving Afghanistan’s younger generation of education.
He called for continued humanitarian assistance and support for education, healthcare, the media and civil society, particularly initiatives led by women.
