Jurist Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan banned from entering country

[Dadparvar]

Taliban figures have banned United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan Richard Bennett, from entering the country. Representatives of the regime told Afghanistan’s TOLO News that:

Mr. Bennett’s travel to Afghanistan has been prohibited because he was assigned to spread propaganda in Afghanistan. He is not someone we trust. He is not in Afghanistan, and he is no longer permitted to come here. He used to exaggerate minor issues and propagate them.

Bennett, who was appointed to his mandate shortly after the fall of Kabul in 2022, called the decision to bar him from Afghanistan a “step backwards” that “sends a concerning signal about [the Taliban’s] engagement with the United Nations and the international community on human rights” in a statement released Wednesday. The Special Rapporteur further expressed concern over this decision and its implications for international human rights engagement:

The Taliban’s public announcement to deny my access to Afghanistan represents a significant setback,

It sends a troubling message about their willingness to engage constructively with the United Nations and the wider international community on human rights issues.

Bennett highlighted his ongoing efforts to interact transparently with Afghan authorities, focusing on providing a critical yet constructive evaluation of the country’s human rights situation. “I have consistently aimed to offer practical recommendations for improvement and technical assistance,” he explained. “Where differences arise, constructive dialogue should be the path forward. I urge the Taliban to reconsider their decision and emphasise my readiness to engage directly by traveling to Afghanistan.”

As an UN-appointed independent expert, Bennett emphasized his commitment to operating independently and objectively, saying, “My role involves impartially assessing facts and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and competence.”

Despite the travel ban, Bennett emphasised his intent to remain actively engaged with Afghan individuals and relevant stakeholders both within and outside the country. “While I haven’t visited Afghanistan for over a year, my efforts to document human rights violations and advocate for change will continue unabated,” he affirmed.

Bennett reiterated his dedication to supporting a peaceful and inclusive Afghanistan. “I remain committed to the Afghan people and to contributing to a stable, prosperous nation in harmony with its neighbors,” he concluded.

A diplomatic source told AFP “Richard Bennett was informed of the decision that he would not be welcome to return to Afghanistan several months ago” after local media reported the ban, citing a Taliban government spokesman.

This comes as The Taliban has issued more than 80 edicts, directives, and statements which specifically target and restrict the rights of women and girls since taking power in Afghanistan, Mr Bennett said.

The Human Rights Council established the Special Rapporteur’s mandate on October 7, 2021 under resolution 48/1, aiming to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. This month marks 3 years since the Taliban seized power in the country with UN Experts warning:

There should be no move to normalise the de facto authorities, unless and until there are demonstrated, measurable, and independently verified improvements against human rights benchmarks, particularly for women and girls.

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