KABUL, Afghanistan: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has expressed dissatisfaction with the extension of the mission of the UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, considering it antagonistic.
According to the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, Bennett’s reports were criticized for not accurately reflecting the realities of Afghanistan. Mujahid stated that Bennett did not effectively fulfil his mission, expressing concerns about the manner in which he reported, investigated, and travelled within Afghanistan. The spokesperson emphasized that Bennett seemed to prioritize rumours over facts, which was deemed an inappropriate approach.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur, had recently expressed his gratitude for the extension of his mandate during the 54th session of the Human Rights Council. He acknowledged the honour of serving in this role and working independently and impartially to report on and seek improvements in the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan.
During the same session, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, addressed the council, highlighting the need to support and restore fundamental rights and freedom for the people of Afghanistan, especially women and civil society. Andisha emphasized the importance of establishing a well-funded independent investigative mechanism to ensure accountability and promote lasting peace.
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Representatives from other nations, including the United States and Pakistan, also shared their perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan. The US Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council, Ambassador Michèle Taylor, condemned the restrictions on Afghan women and girls’ access to education, employment opportunities, freedom of movement, and freedom of expression. She underscored the United States’ commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
Zaman Mehdi, the deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, highlighted the impact of protracted conflicts and instability on Afghanistan’s dire human rights and humanitarian situation. He stressed the importance of international engagement with Afghanistan to address these challenges and urged all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law.
Richard Bennett was appointed as the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan by the Human Rights Council in April 2022. The Islamic Emirate’s concerns regarding his mission reflect the ongoing complexities and differing perspectives surrounding the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
