Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, has called for the recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan as a crime against humanity. His remarks were made during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where he presented his 20-page report on the country.
Bennett emphasized that the situation in Afghanistan, particularly for women, has deteriorated significantly since the IEA regained power. He stressed the urgency of addressing the systematic oppression of women under the current regime within the framework of international law.
Bennett reiterated that the systemic oppression of women under the Taliban amounts to gender apartheid in Afghanistan and must be recognized as a crime against humanity under international law.
The report highlights that since the IEA’s return to power, human rights violations in Afghanistan have worsened, with the systemic suppression of women becoming more severe. Bennett warned that the IEA’s discriminatory policies against women are becoming more entrenched, with restrictive laws such as the “promotion of virtue and prevention of vice” reinforcing these measures.
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Women and girls in Afghanistan have been subjected to harsh restrictions, including bans on education, employment, and public life. Bennett’s report underscores the need for immediate international action to improve the dire situation in Afghanistan, as women are being systematically deprived of their fundamental rights.
Additionally, the report points out the severe restrictions the IEA have imposed on media and civil society. Journalists, activists, academics, and artists face harassment, arrest, and violence, while minorities continue to suffer from discrimination and a lack of protection.
The situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the IEA’s oppressive policies. As Richard Bennett pointed out, the international community must act quickly and decisively to reverse these injustices and push for greater protection and rights for Afghan women.
The worsening crisis in Afghanistan also highlights the broader human rights violations taking place across the country. The lack of international accountability for these actions, particularly in the context of the IEA’s return to power, has led to a deepening crisis.
The UN and other global organizations must work together to hold the IEA accountable for their actions. Additionally, it is essential for countries to pressure the regime to respect the rights of Afghanistan women and take meaningful steps to restore basic freedoms and opportunities for the population.
This news is sourced from [Khaama Press] and is for informational purposes only.