KABUL: The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), a leading watchdog organization, has criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council for its inadequate response to the escalating human rights crisis in Afghanistan.
In a statement, ISHR condemned the Council’s latest resolution, arguing that it fails to establish mechanisms for justice, accountability, and reparations for serious human rights violations, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity, particularly regarding gender-based persecution.
Despite repeated appeals from Afghan, regional, and international groups, the resolution does not create an independent investigative mechanism to collect and preserve evidence of international crimes in Afghanistan. ISHR believes such a mechanism is essential for enhancing accountability and supporting cases at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
However, ISHR noted that the resolution includes language that could serve as a “blueprint for future action,” recognizing the necessity for accountability measures such as evidence collection and preservation. South Africa, during the resolution’s adoption, emphasized that the document provides a foundation for the Human Rights Council to build upon moving forward.
The resolution refers to a recent report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which highlighted the need to address decades of impunity for human rights abuses in Afghanistan. The report calls for comprehensive, multidimensional, and gender-responsive accountability efforts to meet the needs of victims.
Tess McEvoy, head of ISHR, stressed the urgent need for an independent mechanism that addresses the gender-specific dimensions of abuses in Afghanistan, stating, “An independent accountability mechanism is urgently needed to tackle past and ongoing violations, ensuring a gender-responsive approach to justice for all, including women and girls.”
Additionally, the resolution extends the mandate of Richard Bennett, the U.N. Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, who is responsible for monitoring the ongoing human rights situation under Taliban rule.
