Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, states that the system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity, and the marginalization of women and girls in Afghanistan is pervasive and systematic.
Mr. Bennett notes that this discriminatory and disrespectful system is enforced throughout Afghanistan through decrees, edicts, and official policies, often accompanied by violent punishments.
He made these remarks in an interview with the organization “Education Cannot Wait” and expressed concern over the continued ban on girls’ education.
He emphasized that the closure of schools has a devastating impact on Afghan girls.
In part of this discussion, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan warned about the long-term consequences of banning girls from education, stating that this situation leads to early or forced marriages, depression, self-harm, including suicide, and suicidal thoughts among girls.
According to Richard Bennett, the ban on girls’ education affects Afghan society as a whole.
He pointed out that when half of a country’s population is excluded from participation, progress becomes impossible.
He described the caretaker government’s restrictions on women as extensive and severe, stating that the actions of this group constitute “crimes against humanity, particularly gender-based violence.”
He stated that according to international law, the current government’s policies are considered a “crime.”
Richard Bennett remarked that what is happening in Afghanistan is not only unacceptable but also inhumane.
It should be noted that it has been over 1,185 days since girls above the sixth grade have been deprived of education. Additionally, it has been more than two years since girls have been barred from university-level studies.
Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council, has been accused by current government officials of “propagandizing” against the government due to his reports on the deterioration of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The current government has banned Bennett’s travel to Afghanistan.
