Amnesty: Human Rights Council fails to address human rights crisis in Afghanistan

Amnesty International has stated that the United Nations Human Rights Council’s resolution on Afghanistan has failed to provide an adequate response to the escalating human rights crisis in the country.

The organization asserts that the Taliban continues to suppress the rights of the Afghan people.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 10, Amnesty International noted that while the UN Human Rights Council extended Richard Bennett’s mandate, it still did not establish an independent international accountability mechanism for the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s regional director for South Asia, criticized the Human Rights Council for failing to provide adequate support for justice to the people of Afghanistan, who have placed their hopes in the international community.

Amnesty International warned that the shortcomings in this resolution leave brave activists, particularly women human rights defenders, journalists, and others who continue their work in the face of repression, in a precarious situation.

The organization emphasized the urgent need for UN member states to act swiftly to establish an independent international accountability mechanism. This would ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.

Hillary Power from Human Rights Watch described the latest resolution of the UN Human Rights Council as another failure for the body. She noted that despite repeated requests from human rights groups, the Council has not created a mechanism for holding the Taliban accountable for human rights violations.

The ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan, particularly against women and girls, are exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in the country. With the Taliban’s strict regulations prohibiting women from participating in public life and education, the prospects for future generations are bleak.

These violations not only undermine the dignity and rights of Afghan women but also hinder the country’s overall development and stability.

As the international community grapples with the crisis, it is crucial to advocate for stronger mechanisms that ensure accountability and protection of human rights in Afghanistan.

Supporting local and international efforts to document abuses and demand justice can empower the voices of those affected and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and just society.

Amnesty: Human Rights Council fails to address human rights crisis in Afghanistan