The Taliban must urgently provide Ryan Corbett, an American aid worker detained in Afghanistan for nearly two years, with immediate medical care to prevent irreparable harm to his health or even his death, a United Nations expert said on Thursday.
“The Taliban must provide Ryan Corbett with medical treatment in a civilian hospital without delay,” said Alice Jill Edwards, the U.N. special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Corbett has been held without charge in conditions that are “utterly inadequate and substantially below international standards,” Edwards stated.
“This is having a significant impact on his physical and mental health, which is declining rapidly,” she added. Edwards said she had raised the issue directly with the Taliban. “Without adequate medical care, he is at risk of irreparable harm or even death,” she emphasized.
A spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the United Nations in New York confirmed that the United States is in contact with Edwards’ office and supports efforts to advocate for more humane conditions for Corbett and others detained by the Taliban.
“We consider Ryan’s detention to be wrongful, and we will continue to work towards securing his immediate release,” the spokesperson said.
Corbett and his family moved to Afghanistan in 2010. He initially worked with non-governmental organizations and later founded his own organization, Bloom Afghanistan, to support the country’s private sector through consulting, micro-finance, and project evaluation.
The U.N. expert reported that Corbett has developed several medical issues, including tinnitus and severe weight loss. He has also repeatedly expressed intentions of suicide and self-harm.
