RASC News Agency: In response to the Taliban’s decision to prohibit the UN Special Rapporteur from entering Afghanistan, the Deputy Director of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch asserted that while the Taliban may restrict entry to specific individuals, they cannot stifle the voices of the Afghanistani people, particularly women and girls. Heather Barr emphasized that the denial of entry to Richard Bennett does not signify the end of the struggle for justice.
On Tuesday, a Taliban spokesperson criticized Richard Bennett’s reports on the severe human rights violations occurring in Afghanistan, declaring that he is not welcome in the country. On Wednesday, August 21, in a statement on X, Heather Barr remarked that by banning Richard Bennett, the Taliban have abandoned even the pretense of respecting human rights. She further asserted, “The Taliban’s crimes are widely recognized, and whatever transpires will inevitably come to light, with corresponding repercussions.”
Barr also condemned the international community’s reluctance to confront the Taliban’s abuses, labeling it as disgraceful. She stressed that the Afghanistani people’s demand for the Taliban’s accountability will persist until justice is achieved. Moreover, the Deputy Director noted that human rights organizations continue to monitor and report on countries where access is restricted. While challenging, she affirmed that this work is “entirely feasible.”
