KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – In his latest report, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has detailed disturbing instances of sexual violence against women detained by the Taliban. The report highlights the dire state of human rights under Taliban rule and emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated action to safeguard the rights of women and marginalized communities.
Bennett’s findings are based on firsthand accounts and credible information, including from incidents in January 2024, when women were arrested for wearing “inappropriate” hijabs. Many detainees reported experiencing physical abuse, verbal harassment, and sexual assault while in custody. One survivor recounted, “They beat me as they asked questions, hitting my head on the wall…. One of them tore my hijab and then touched my private parts.”
Other than sexual violence, women also continue to face societal stigma and discrimination. Bennett noted that a culture of silence, exacerbated by harmful gender stereotypes and victim-blaming, likely leads to many cases remaining unreported. Additionally, restrictions on women’s movement hinder survivors’ access to essential medical and psychological services.
The report indicates a troubling rise in gender-based violence in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021. Bennett expressed alarm over increasing domestic violence, stating that the situation for women and girls has deteriorated compared to the previous government. Access to justice is severely limited, with restrictions on women’s freedom of movement and the exclusion of female lawyers and judges from the legal system. This systematic exclusion has effectively removed women from public life and decision-making processes.
Bennett characterized the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls as a form of gender apartheid, advocating for discussions on recognizing gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
The report also addresses discrimination faced by ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Hazara community, which is often targeted by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISK). Bennett highlighted that religious minorities, including Shia Muslims and Hazaras, continue to face threats and violence, including from Taliban forces.
Additionally, the report documents the challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community, who endure harassment and criminalization based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Instances of sexual violence, torture, and inhumane treatment of these individuals in Taliban custody were also reported.
Bennett noted the crackdown on freedom of expression under the Taliban regime, with journalists and activists facing increasing harassment and violence. This environment fosters fear, stifling public discourse and accountability and raising serious concerns about the fundamental rights of individuals in Afghanistan.
He stated that the international community has failed to effectively counter the Taliban’s actions or develop a coherent strategy to improve the situation. This lack of response is causing significant harm to the Afghan people and undermining member states’ human rights commitments, especially regarding women’s rights.
The Taliban has yet to respond to Bennett’s findings. In August, the group barred him from entering Afghanistan, accusing him of “spreading propaganda” and providing “inaccurate and misleading” information. Bennett criticized this decision as a “step backward,” expressing concern over the Taliban’s engagement with the UN and the international community on human rights.
In conclusion, Bennett emphasizes the urgent need for accountability measures and a robust international response to these violations. He points out that the Taliban regime lacks inclusivity and representation, with governance largely dominated by Pashtun men and Sunni perspectives, leaving ethnic and religious minorities marginalized.
The Special Rapporteur advocates for a principled, human rights-centered approach to engaging with Afghanistan. Normalization of relations with the Taliban should depend on clear, measurable improvements in human rights, particularly for women and girls. If such improvements do not occur, member states must take decisive action to address ongoing violations.
