UN Envoy Warns Against Normalization of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has warned that the country is undergoing one of the most severe and systematic assaults on gender equality of the modern era.
Speaking about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, Bennett urged the international community not to turn a blind eye to the Taliban’s egregious human rights abuses by treating their rule as normal. He underscored that prioritizing rights, amplifying women’s voices, and ensuring their participation in political and decision-making processes is vital for the country’s future.
In his report, Bennett highlighted a troubling rise in corporal punishment, disappearances, and violent behavior toward former government officials and members of the security forces. He also pointed to new restrictions on the media and civil society organizations, all taking place amid a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by cuts in international aid.
Bennett explicitly warned that the reduction of funding for humanitarian and human rights initiatives undermines the last remaining safety nets for the Afghan people. He called on donor countries to restart sustained support, particularly for Afghan-led, women-focused institutions.
He also condemned the Taliban’s draconian restrictions on female humanitarian workers, especially domestic UN staff, describing them as unprecedented and unacceptable, with serious negative impacts on relief efforts.
The UN envoy noted the Taliban’s discriminatory policies against ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, arguing that their disregard for minority rights has heightened tensions. He called for an end to such practices and urged for the genuine inclusion of minorities in shaping the country’s future.
Bennett further warned about the long-term dangers posed by the Taliban’s hardline ideology, saying it risks pushing a new generation into extremism through a life of repression, poverty, and hopelessness—an outcome that would affect not only Afghanistan.
He also condemned the mass deportations of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries and forced expulsions from some European states. Bennett appealed to governments to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, a core tenet of international law.
Despite the dire conditions, Bennett emphasized that Afghanistan should not be considered a “lost cause.” He argued that widespread human rights violations in the country are not inevitable and should not be ignored.
Bennett pointed to some progress on international accountability, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court, the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism, and discussions on recognizing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
He concluded by warning that ignoring Afghanistan’s plight today would not only betray its people but also undermine the foundations of the international rules-based order.
