Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan Demands Urgent Action

Geneva, 29 February 2024 – The human rights situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, causing unacceptable suffering for its citizens, according to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Mr. Richard Bennett. As he presented his report to the Human Rights Council, Bennett emphasized the urgent need for action by both the Taliban and the international community to address the escalating crisis and provide hope for Afghans.

“Women and girls are being erased from public life, peaceful dissent is not tolerated, violence and the threat of violence are used with impunity to control and instil fear in the population,” see the press release on my #HRC55 #Afghanistan report here: 👇 https://t.co/XLy1l2NUeR

— UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) February 29, 2024

Bennett expressed deep concern about the erasure of women and girls from public life, the suppression of peaceful dissent, and the use of violence with impunity by the Taliban to control and instill fear in the population. Furthermore, an economic and humanitarian crisis exacerbates the situation, leading to the denial of essential economic, social, and cultural rights for many Afghans.

The report highlights disturbing instances of public executions, corporal punishment, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture, particularly targeting opponents of the regime. Discrimination and marginalization affect vulnerable communities, such as the Hazaras.

One of the most alarming aspects outlined by Bennett is the Taliban’s increasing violations of women’s and girls’ rights, including the harsh enforcement of a restrictive dress code. He described gender-based discrimination as institutionalized, systematic, and widespread, reaching the level of “gender apartheid.” Bennett plans to provide further details on this issue during the Human Rights Council session in June 2024.

Expressing his apprehension about the ban on education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade and restrictions on women employed by NGOs and the United Nations, Bennett underscored the perilous human rights situation faced by children and the LGBTQI+ community in Afghanistan.

The Special Rapporteur raised the issue of arbitrary detention of activists and journalists, emphasizing that such actions by the Taliban have significantly diminished Afghanistan’s civic space. He voiced concern over the trend of some parts of the international community moving towards the normalization of relations with the de facto authorities despite the worsening human rights situation.

Bennett stressed the vital importance of the international community remaining steadfast in their commitment to human rights in Afghanistan. He warned against normalization without significant improvements, particularly in the situation of women and girls, as it would send a concerning message about the global commitment to women’s rights.

Urging the international community to stand together for the human rights of the Afghan people, Bennett concluded by calling on the Taliban to improve their human rights record. He emphasized that human rights are the cornerstone of sustainable, long-lasting peace. As the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Bennett’s dedication to addressing these critical issues remains a beacon of hope for a better future in the war-torn nation.