The United Nations Special Representative, Richard Bennett, presented a detailed report on the escalating discrimination against women in Afghanistan at the 56th session of the UN Humanitarian Council this week. The report has drawn significant global attention to the human rights abuses under the Taliban regime. Bennett's report emphasized the mistreatment of women, describing the atrocities as shocking to humanity. He urged the international community to avoid normalizing relations with the Afghan Taliban until they cease their human rights abuses and racial discrimination. He warned that global indifference could have devastating consequences for Afghanistan and future generations. The UN representative called for coordinated international action against the Taliban's repressive regime, in accordance with international laws.

He urged the community to recognize the ongoing gender discrimination in Afghanistan as a crime against humanity and to provide legal, political, and diplomatic support to combat it. In his report, Bennett called on the Taliban to remove restrictions that deprive women of their basic rights and to ensure their access to healthcare and other basic needs. He also highlighted the need for effective measures to prevent child abuse, including child and forced marriage, sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking. The report coincided with a call from Amnesty International for the recognition of gender discrimination as a crime. The ongoing situation raises questions about whether international pressure will lead to changes in the Taliban's policies.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan