Remarks by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan Bennett
Bennett criticized the Afghan interim government’s decision to ban him from entering the country, in a statement he made on the social media platform X. Bennett described the situation as a “step backwards” and emphasized that this decision raises serious concerns regarding the Afghan government’s interaction with the UN and the international community on human rights.
Bennett stated that while carrying out his duties, he made critical assessments of the human rights situation in Afghanistan and tried to establish transparent interaction with the de facto authorities. Noting that he developed concrete and practical approaches while proposing solutions, Bennett made the following statements: “I call on the Taliban to reverse this decision and reiterate my willingness and readiness to travel to Afghanistan.”
Bennett said he takes his responsibilities as an independent expert appointed by the UN seriously and will continue to communicate with the people of Afghanistan and continue his work to document human rights violations.
On the other hand, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan interim government, announced on August 20 that Bennett was banned from entering the country on the grounds that he was “biased” and “made propaganda against Afghanistan.” This situation was noted as a reflection of the tension between international human rights defenders and the UN and the Afghan government.
