As the United Nations prepares to convene special envoys on June 30th to address the Afghan crisis, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urges a comprehensive and inclusive approach, prioritizing human rights.
Fereshta Abbasi, HRW’s Afghanistan researcher, highlighted key demands in a post on X: inviting the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, prioritizing human rights on the agenda, and including Afghan women’s voices.
HRW’s call comes as international concern mounts over the worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, reports of severe restrictions on women’s rights, including bans on education and employment, have been widespread. Additionally, broader crackdowns on freedom of expression and civil liberties are a growing concern.
This week, UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett presented his report to the Human Rights Council, detailing the Taliban’s “systematic implementation of a discriminatory system that segregates and excludes women and girls in Afghanistan.”
The Special Rapporteur’s report emphasizes that “the Taliban is systematically committing gross human rights abuses.” Their “institutionalization of a system of gender oppression” deprives Afghans, particularly women and girls, of their fundamental rights.
Presenting his report, Bennett stressed the importance of Afghan civil society participation, including women human rights defenders, in the upcoming Doha meeting. He emphasized the need to address women’s and girls’ rights directly and within broader thematic discussions.
Speaking to KabulNow, Abbasi expressed concern that Bennett had not been invited to the upcoming Doha meeting. “His presence would reinforce the global commitment to human rights,” she stated.
HRW’s demands echo a wider international push for a more inclusive and rights-focused approach to the Afghan crisis. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, reiterated that the rights of Afghan women and girls are non-negotiable. “The international community must take a clear and united stance,” Callamard said in a statement. “The rights of Afghan women and girls must be at the heart of the UN-convened meeting in Doha, and these talks must lead to the restoration of their rights.”
However, diplomatic sources indicate plans to consult with Afghan civil society groups only before and after the meeting, not during discussions involving Taliban authorities. This exclusion raises concerns about the true inclusivity of the proposed approach.
