The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, warned on Wednesday that rights violations in the country must not be accepted as routine, saying human rights remain “universal and non-negotiable” as the world marks Human Rights Day.
“Human rights were built into the UN’s core to safeguard peace, equality and dignity — to prevent the injustices many, including in Afghanistan, endure today. On Human Rights Day, the world must hold firm: human rights are universal and non-negotiable and injustice should never be normalized,” Bennett said in a statement.
Bennett has repeatedly raised concerns over sweeping restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education, most jobs and public participation. He has also highlighted reports of arbitrary arrests, reprisals against former officials, and pressure on civil society and independent media.
Taliban have rejected findings on human rights violations and abuses and have claimed they govern in line with Islamic law.
Human Rights Day, observed globally on December 10, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
