NEW YORK: The international community is being urged not to normalize the Taliban’s oppressive regime in Afghanistan, which has severely impacted the lives of many citizens, particularly women and girls, according to a UN expert. Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, presented his report to the General Assembly, highlighting a continued pattern of systematic human rights violations five years after the Taliban seized control.

According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bennett emphasized the necessity for the international community to support the Afghan people by upholding their rights and demanding improvements in human rights conditions. He cautioned that interaction with the Taliban should not grant them legitimacy without verified advancements in human rights, nor should it compromise accountability and justice.

The report from Bennett detailed recent decrees that have further restricted women’s rights and increased violence against women. It also addressed issues such as arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression. Marginalized groups, including ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, as well as the LGBTI community and people with disabilities, continue to face discrimination and abuse.

Bennett acknowledged the issuance of four arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for Taliban leaders as a positive step towards accountability. He called for international cooperation to bring those responsible for serious violations to justice and urged progress on recognizing gender apartheid as an international crime.

He warned of the long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s youth, who are increasingly exposed to gender-based violence and forced marriages, with the denial of education posing significant risks to their mental health and the country’s overall development. Despite these challenges, Afghan youth, especially girls, remain committed to pursuing education and advocating for their rights.

Addressing the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bennett emphasized the importance of respecting international human rights and humanitarian law. He called for the protection of civilians and independent investigations into civilian harm.

The report concluded with a call for sustained humanitarian assistance and long-term support for various sectors, including education, healthcare, and civil society, with a particular focus on women-led initiatives.