Afghanistan Peace CampaignRichard Bennett praised the people of Afghanistan for their inspiring resilience amid ongoing hardships and restrictions on civil liberties.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has described the resilience and resistance of Afghanistan’s citizens under Taliban rule as a source of inspiration. His remarks come amid ongoing restrictions imposed on civil liberties, particularly affecting women and girls.
The Taliban have officially declared Saturday as the first day of Eid al-Adha. However, celebrations in Afghanistan are overshadowed by increasing limitations on basic freedoms and human rights, especially for women, who remain banned from parks, public spaces, and many forms of social participation.
Reports indicate that the Taliban have closed recreational venues to women and placed restrictions on their movement within cities, further intensifying concerns over gender-based repression.
In addition to social restrictions, economic hardship continues to weigh heavily on many Afghans. Citizens have expressed deep frustration over their inability to afford Eid celebrations, citing widespread poverty, rising prices, and growing unemployment.
As Eid arrives under a cloud of hardship, the international community faces renewed pressure to support the Afghanistan people—particularly women and marginalized groups—in their struggle for dignity and fundamental rights.