UN rights envoy warns of escalating repression of women and journalists in Afghanistan
Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has voiced concern at the tightening restrictions and repression in Afghanistan during a session of the Human Rights Council, saying pressure on women, minorities, journalists and human rights defenders has increased.
On Monday, 7 September, he said the Taliban administration has expanded the scope of restrictions by imposing new laws and regulations, placing citizens’ fundamental rights under serious threat.
Bennett called on the international community to show attention and take serious action in response to human rights violations in Afghanistan and to support the people of the country.
The UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan is mandated to examine the human rights situation in the country and report to international bodies. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, restrictions on women and the media working environment have repeatedly been among the main concerns of human rights organisations.
