The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan has been denied entry into the country, a diplomatic source revealed on Tuesday. Richard Bennett was informed months ago that he would not be allowed to return to Afghanistan, the source confirmed after local media cited a Taliban spokesman announcing the ban.
Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, they have imposed rules rooted in a stringent interpretation of Islamic law. Women have faced severe restrictions, with the United Nations calling it “gender apartheid,” effectively removing them from public life. The Taliban has consistently dismissed UN and international criticism of their policies.
3 years after the #Taliban seized power, the int’l community must not normalize the de facto authorities or their appalling human rights violations. Proud to join 29 UN expert mandates urging protection, support & solidarity for the people of #Afghanistanhttps://t.co/5cOfCekPes
— UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) August 14, 2024
The Taliban government clarified that their issue was with Bennett personally, not with human rights monitoring in general, according to diplomatic sources. Earlier on Tuesday, Tolo News quoted Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stating that Bennett was banned because he was seen as spreading propaganda and was untrustworthy. Mujahid accused Bennett of exaggerating minor issues for propaganda purposes.
Special rapporteurs like Bennett are independent experts within the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures body. Despite Bennett’s ban, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to monitor and report on human rights in the country.
Other Perspective
- JustSecurity reports on the UN Special Rapporteur’s detailed account of Taliban abuses, supporting the codification of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, reflecting its status as a peremptory norm of international law. The report highlights the Taliban’s systematic oppression of women and girls, emphasizing the need for international accountability and a legal framework to address these violations.(read more)
- France 24 reports that the UN special rapporteur on Afghan human rights, Richard Bennett, has been barred from entering the country by the Taliban, citing personal issues and propaganda accusations.(read more)
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights denounces the idea of a reformed Taliban, emphasizing that the Taliban’s human rights abuses continue, and calling for its members to be held accountable for their actions, advocating for a sustainable peace without the presence of the Taliban.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan barred from entering the country?
The Taliban claimed Richard Bennett spread propaganda and was not trustworthy.
When was Richard Bennett informed about the Taliban’s decision to bar him?
Richard Bennett was informed several months ago.
What reason did the Taliban give for banning Richard Bennett?
The Taliban accused him of exaggerating issues for propaganda.
How has the Taliban responded to UN criticism of their policies?
The Taliban have systematically dismissed criticism from the UN and the international community.
Does the UN still monitor human rights in Afghanistan?
Yes, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues human rights monitoring and reporting.