UN Expert Urges Global Action to End Impunity and Gender Persecution in Afghanistan

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, warned that the Taliban's latest morality law marks a new phase in the erosion of fundamental rights, particularly for women and girls.

In light of escalating restrictions on women and girls, worsening conditions for minorities and children, and a shrinking civic space, a UN independent expert has called for urgent global action to address the deepening human rights crisis in Afghanistan. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, warned that the Taliban's latest morality law marks a new phase in the erosion of fundamental rights, particularly for women and girls.

During his Oral Update at the Human Rights Council, Bennett described the law as part of the Taliban’s institutionalized system of gender discrimination and oppression, amounting to "gender persecution," which he classified as a crime against humanity. He emphasized that if left unchecked, the impact of these policies will be felt for generations to come.

Bennett also expressed concerns over the worsening situation for minorities, children, LGBTI individuals, human rights defenders, journalists, older people, and people with disabilities, all of whom are being affected by Afghanistan’s deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

The Special Rapporteur noted a troubling shift in the Taliban’s rhetoric and actions, stating that the regime appears to be reverting to the harsh conditions of the late 1990s. He urged the international community to pressure the Taliban to reverse course and prioritize human rights.

Bennett emphasized that Afghanistan has been plagued by human rights violations for over four decades and called for survivor-centered and gender-responsive pathways to justice. He warned that the ongoing cycle of impunity emboldens the Taliban and diminishes the chances for lasting peace in the country.

The expert urged Member States to strengthen existing mechanisms for accountability and ensure that women and non-Taliban Afghans are included in any future discussions on the country’s direction. He stressed that human rights must be at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the crisis in Afghanistan.