Taliban figures have banned United Nations Particular Rapporteur on Afghanistan Richard Bennett, from coming into the nation. Representatives of the regime told Afghanistan’s TOLO Information that:
Mr. Bennett’s journey to Afghanistan has been prohibited as a result of he was assigned to unfold propaganda in Afghanistan. He isn’t somebody we belief. He isn’t in Afghanistan, and he’s now not permitted to return right here. He used to magnify minor points and propagate them.
Bennett, who was appointed to his mandate shortly after the autumn of Kabul in 2022, called the decision to bar him from Afghanistan a “step backwards” that “sends a regarding sign about [the Taliban’s] engagement with the United Nations and the worldwide group on human rights” in an announcement launched Wednesday. The Particular Rapporteur additional expressed concern over this determination and its implications for worldwide human rights engagement:
The Taliban’s public announcement to disclaim my entry to Afghanistan represents a major setback,
It sends a troubling message about their willingness to interact constructively with the United Nations and the broader worldwide group on human rights points.
Bennett highlighted his ongoing efforts to work together transparently with Afghan authorities, specializing in offering a vital but constructive analysis of the nation’s human rights scenario. “I’ve constantly aimed to supply sensible suggestions for enchancment and technical help,” he defined. “The place variations come up, constructive dialogue needs to be the trail ahead. I urge the Taliban to rethink their determination and emphasise my readiness to interact immediately by touring to Afghanistan.”
As an UN-appointed unbiased skilled, Bennett emphasised his dedication to working independently and objectively, saying, “My function entails impartially assessing information and sustaining the very best requirements of integrity and competence.”
Regardless of the journey ban, Bennett emphasised his intent to stay actively engaged with Afghan people and related stakeholders each inside and outdoors the nation. “Whereas I haven’t visited Afghanistan for over a yr, my efforts to doc human rights violations and advocate for change will proceed unabated,” he affirmed.
Bennett reiterated his dedication to supporting a peaceable and inclusive Afghanistan. “I stay dedicated to the Afghan folks and to contributing to a secure, affluent nation in concord with its neighbors,” he concluded.
A diplomatic supply told AFP “Richard Bennett was knowledgeable of the choice that he wouldn’t be welcome to return to Afghanistan a number of months in the past” after native media reported the ban, citing a Taliban authorities spokesman.
This comes as The Taliban has issued greater than 80 edicts, directives, and statements which particularly goal and limit the rights of girls and women since taking energy in Afghanistan, Mr Bennett mentioned.
The Human Rights Council established the Particular Rapporteur’s mandate on October 7, 2021 below resolution 48/1, aiming to watch and report on the human rights scenario in Afghanistan. This month marks 3 years because the Taliban seized energy within the nation with UN Specialists warning:
There needs to be no transfer to normalise the de facto authorities, until and till there are demonstrated, measurable, and independently verified enhancements towards human rights benchmarks, significantly for ladies and women.
Source / Picture: jurist.org
