The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has sounded the alarm about the escalating human rights crisis and widespread repression of citizens by the Taliban. In a 20-page report released during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Bennett warned that the Taliban’s “law for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” has imposed discriminatory policies, restricted women’s and girls’ rights, and enforced institutionalized fear.
Bennett called on the international community to recognize gender apartheid and urged sustained and principled pressure on the Taliban to stop its severe repression. He warned that reducing aid to Afghanistan will primarily harm the people of the country, who feel abandoned by the international community.
The report highlights various human rights violations in Afghanistan, including the prohibition of books, restriction of freedom of expression, repression of artists and poets, and increased corporal punishment. Bennett stated that these restrictions amount to institutionalized harassment, which could constitute a “crime against humanity.”
The Taliban’s law has granted broad executive powers, reinforcing a pervasive atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. The report emphasizes that the law restricts women’s and girls’ rights, forced marriages, child labor, and former government officials’ reprisals.
Bennett also criticized the suppression of media and civil society organizations in Afghanistan, stating that NGOs face serious obstacles in programs related to women. He warned that restrictions on humanitarian services pose significant challenges for women, who have been subjected to instances where aid was delivered to their male family members.
The UN special rapporteur urged the international community to take action to protect human rights in Afghanistan and hold the Taliban accountable for its actions.
Source: https://8am.media/eng/latest-bennett-report-talibans-law-for-the-propagation-of-virtue-and-prevention-of-vice-spares-no-one