The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has been barred from entering the country by Taliban authorities. Representatives informed Afghanistan’s TOLO News that the prohibition was due to Bennett allegedly being assigned to spread propaganda and being untrustworthy. The regime also accused him of exaggerating minor issues.
Bennett, who was appointed to his role shortly after the fall of Kabul in 2022, described the decision as a “step backwards” and a troubling signal about the Taliban’s engagement with the United Nations and the international community on human rights. In his statement, he underscored his commitment to a transparent dialogue with Afghan authorities aimed at offering practical recommendations and technical assistance to improve the human rights situation in the country. He urged the Taliban to reconsider their decision and emphasized his readiness to engage directly by traveling to Afghanistan.
Continuing his work independently and objectively, Bennett stressed his intention to remain actively engaged with Afghan individuals and stakeholders both within and outside the country, despite being unable to visit. “My efforts to document human rights violations and advocate for change will continue unabated,” he said. Bennett reiterated his dedication to supporting a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan.
According to a diplomatic source, Bennett was informed of the ban several months ago after local media reported the decision, citing a Taliban government spokesman. This development occurs against the backdrop of the Taliban issuing over 80 edicts restricting the rights of women and girls since taking power. The Special Rapporteur’s mandate, established on October 7, 2021, by the Human Rights Council under resolution 48/1, aims to monitor and report on Afghanistan’s human rights situation.
With the three-year anniversary of the Taliban seizing power approaching, UN experts have issued a stern warning against normalizing their rule unless there are measurable and independently verified improvements in human rights, particularly for women and girls. For further details, refer to the full report here.