Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, addressed the General Assembly, stating that the human rights situation in the country “continues to deteriorate with few grounds for optimism.” He highlighted issues such as intensifying gender persecution, increased corporal punishment, enforced disappearances, and attacks against former officials despite amnesty claims. Additionally, media freedom and civil society face growing restrictions, with ethnic and religious minorities, like the Hazara communities, experiencing discrimination and forced evictions.
Restrictions on women and girls remain unchanged, with no Taliban reversals on their edicts. Bennett mentioned the denial of rights to Afghan women to work, referencing recent actions barring them from UN compounds, violating fundamental rights and the UN Charter’s equality and non-discrimination principles. He criticized the reduction in humanitarian and civil society funding, urging sustained support for Afghan, especially women-led, organizations.
The Rapporteur also warned against the forced return of Afghan refugees, calling for adherence to the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents returning individuals to places of potential persecution or harm. Despite the severe situation, progress in accountability was noted, such as the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Taliban leaders and the Human Rights Council’s creation of an independent mechanism to gather evidence of serious crimes for future trials.
Bennett emphasized that Afghanistan is “not a lost cause” and that accountability is essential to creating a future founded on justice and equality. He warned against abandoning Afghanistan, affirming that it would betray the Afghan people and weaken the international system’s foundations. He urged States to engage with Afghanistan with principles, avoiding normalizing Taliban rule until improvements in human rights are evident and verified, especially concerning women and girls.
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