Taliban Bars UN Human Rights Envoy Richard Bennett from Entering Afghanistan

The Taliban have banned UN-appointed special rapporteur Richard Bennett from entering Afghanistan. The administration accuses him of spreading propaganda. Bennett, appointed in 2022 to monitor human rights, criticizes Taliban's treatment of women and girls. The move highlights ongoing international tension over women's rights in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have officially barred United Nations-appointed special rapporteur Richard Bennett from entering Afghanistan, accusing him of spreading propaganda. This decision was confirmed by the administration's spokesperson during an interview with local broadcaster Tolo.

Bennett, who was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2022 to oversee Afghanistan's human rights situation, has highlighted that the Taliban's treatment of women and girls could constitute a crime against humanity. Despite being based outside the country, he has previously visited Afghanistan multiple times for research. The U.N. Human Rights Council has so far declined to comment on the matter.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Bennett is not trustworthy and that his travel has been prohibited due to what they describe as his role in spreading exaggerated reports. This public barring of a foreign official is rare. Mujahid reiterated that the Taliban respect women's rights as per their interpretation of Islamic law and local customs.

Three years have passed since the Taliban took over following the withdrawal of foreign forces, yet they remain unrecognized by any foreign government. The international community, including Washington, has linked the recognition of the Taliban government to changes in its policies, particularly regarding women's rights.

Afghanistan's central bank assets remain frozen, and many senior Taliban officials face U.N. travel restrictions requiring special exemptions for international travel. Efforts by the U.N. to develop a cohesive international approach to dealing with the Taliban continue. In June, a meeting in Qatar that included top U.N. officials and 25 countries drew criticism for excluding Afghan women and civil society representatives.

The U.N. mission in Kabul continues to monitor and report on human rights issues within Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)