Mujahid announces ban on UN Rights Rapporteur’s entry into Afghanistan

A Taliban spokesperson has stated that Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on gross human rights violations in Afghanistan, is no longer permitted to travel to Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid accused the UN Special Rapporteur of spreading “propaganda” against the Taliban.

Mujahid claimed that Richard Bennett exaggerated minor issues and provided incorrect information to other organizations.

The Taliban spokesperson added, “Mr. Bennett is banned from coming to Afghanistan. He was appointed to spread propaganda against Afghanistan. We do not trust what he says.”

In several of his reports to the UN Human Rights Council, Richard Bennett accused the Taliban of widespread human rights violations in Afghanistan, including violence against women, civil society members, the media, former military personnel, and ethnic and religious minorities.

In his latest report, Bennett, citing human rights activists, described the Taliban’s treatment of women as creating gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

He also called for the prosecution of Taliban officials involved in human rights violations at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

This week, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, the Taliban spokesperson accused international organizations, including UNAMA, of conducting “propaganda against Afghanistan.” He argued that these organizations ignore the positive aspects of the Taliban regime and only report its weaknesses.

Mujahid claimed that these organizations “have been hired for propaganda purposes.”

The Taliban’s ongoing rejection of international criticisms and calls for inclusivity reflects their firm grip on power and disregard for global norms.

The tension between the Taliban’s narrative and international demands underscores the deepening isolation of the regime.

The accusations of propaganda from both sides highlight the growing rift, with the Taliban’s refusal to engage with opposing viewpoints further complicating Afghanistan’s political and human rights landscape. As the Taliban continue to reject calls for elections and political inclusivity, the prospects for a peaceful and representative government in Afghanistan remain bleak.

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