Washington (Kubha News)—In a recent statement, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights monitoring in Afghanistan, highlighted the Taliban’s use of violence to control and instill fear in Afghan society.
Bennett emphasized that human rights should not merely be a topic on the political agenda for Afghanistan; they must become the agenda itself. Speaking on the second anniversary of his work, he urged the Taliban to fulfill their international human rights obligations and called on the international community to insist on significant improvements in human rights in Afghanistan.
“Human rights violations continue unabated,” Bennett stated, pointing out that fundamental freedoms are being violated, and peaceful protests are being suppressed. He stressed the importance of accountability, stating that human rights are essential for achieving lasting peace and prosperity while countering inequality and violence.
Bennett expressed concern over the resurgence of Taliban policies from the 1990s, particularly the denial of women’s and girls’ rights. “Our team has documented cases of public executions and physical torture,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and the importance of finding common ground among Afghanistan’s diverse population.
Highlighting the economic challenges facing millions of Afghans, Bennett noted that the crippled banking system and frozen financial assets are exacerbating the situation.
The UN Special Rapporteur’s remarks come at a critical time, particularly regarding the education and rights of women and girls. The Taliban’s recent adoption of a “no-discussion” policy on girls’ education, led by Mullahbatullah Akhundzadeh and his powerful religious circle, adds to concerns about the future of women’s rights in Afghanistan.