UN rights expert says ban from Afghanistan a backward step

GENEVA: The United Nations´ special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan said on Wednesday the Taliban´s ban on him entering the country sent a troubling signal about their engagement with the wider world.

Richard Bennett called the ban a retrograde step that should be reversed, but vowed he would continue to document human rights violations in Afghanistan.

“The Taliban´s public announcement that they will no longer grant me access to Afghanistan is a step backwards and sends a concerning signal about their engagement with the United Nations and the international community on human rights,” he said in a statement.

Bennett marked two years in the role on May 1.

Since returning to power in August 2021, Taliban authorities have enforced a rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Women have borne the brunt of restrictions the UN has labelled “gender apartheid”, which have pushed them from public life.

Taliban authorities, who have not been recognised by any country, have dismissed criticism of their policies from the UN and the international community.