UN official calls for support of human rights activists in Afghanistan
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, called for increased support for human rights activists in the country.
In a message posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday, December 20, Bennett praised the courage and resilience of those fighting for their rights in Afghanistan. He highlighted the dire situation faced by Afghan citizens, including gender-based harassment, the shrinking of civic space, torture and mistreatment, the marginalization of ethnic minorities, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Bennett urged the international community to stand in solidarity with human rights defenders in Afghanistan and provide them with the necessary support.
This appeal comes amid growing concerns over human rights violations under Taliban rule. Since their return to power, the Taliban have been widely criticized for systematic rights abuses, particularly against women. Human rights activists have described the Taliban’s policies as "gender apartheid."
