Banned from entering Afghanistan, UN special rapporteur on human rights denounces a “step backwards”

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, denounced on Wednesday 21 August a “step back” after being banned from entering the country by the ruling Taliban. “The Taliban’s public announcement that they will no longer allow me to enter Afghanistan is a step backward and sends a worrying signal about their commitment to the United Nations and the international community on human rights.”Richard Bennett said in a statement.

He said he would continue to investigate the human rights situation in the country. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have consistently rejected criticism from the United Nations and the international community of their policies, which are based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Women, excluded from education and public life, have been subject to what the UN has called “gender apartheid”.

“Despite this announcement, which had already been communicated to me, I will continue to engage with the Afghan people, both inside and outside the country, as well as with all parties concerned by this issue.”he added, specifying that he “had not been able to go to Afghanistan for over a year”.

“I have always sought to engage in a transparent dialogue with the de facto authorities, providing a critical assessment of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, as required by my mandate, making concrete and practical recommendations for improvement and offering technical assistance.”he continued. “I urge the Taliban to reconsider their decision and I reiterate my willingness and availability to go to Afghanistan,” concludes the text.