UN Human Rights Envoy to Visit Doha for Talks on Afghanistan
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, is scheduled to visit Doha, the capital of Qatar, from December 1 to 4, 2025. The purpose of his visit is to engage in talks with Qatari officials, representatives of the international community based in Qatar, and members of the Afghan diaspora in the country to discuss how to support the rights of the Afghan people.
The visit follows the unanimous decision by the UN Human Rights Council in October of this year to extend Bennett’s mandate. The move reflects growing international concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Bennett aims to lay the groundwork for a coordinated and effective response to widespread human rights violations by holding consultations with influential regional and international actors. He stresses the urgent need for a comprehensive and multilateral approach to improve the human and legal conditions of all Afghan citizens.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, there have been rampant violations of fundamental rights, particularly those of women, girls, and ethnic and religious minorities, sparking global alarm. While the international community continues to closely monitor developments in Afghanistan, tangible measures and effective political pressure on the Taliban administration have thus far remained inadequate.
