Afghanistan: UN rights chief says she has credible 'harrowing' reports of rights violations by Taliban

A UN top diplomat for human rights said she has received harrowing and credible reports of serious violations of and human rights abuses in Afghanistan under the Taliban, including executions of civilians.

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said these abuses include among others, summary executions of civilians and 'hors de combat members' of the Afghan national security forces; restrictions on the rights of women - including their right to move around freely and girls' right to attend schools; recruitment of child soldiers; and repression of peaceful protest and expression of dissent.

Bachelet, however, did not give details regarding these reports. She made these remarks during the 31st Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the serious human rights concerns and the situation in Afghanistan.

"In recent weeks, my Office has received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law, as well as violations and abuses of human rights, by the parties to the conflict," she said.

Emphasizing that human rights violations undermine the legitimacy of the perpetrators, the envoy urged the Taliban to adopt norms of responsive governance and human rights and to work to re-establish social cohesion and reconciliation. She said Taliban treatment of women would mark a "fundamental red line"

"A fundamental red line will be the Taliban's treatment of women and girls, and respect for their rights to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression and employment, guided by international human rights norms," she said.

On August 15, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan after months of an offensive against civilians and the Afghan security forces.

UNAMA's Protection of Civilians report from January 1 to June 30 this year has indicated an increase in civilian casualties of nearly 50 per cent compared to the same period in 2020.

Unquestionably, that toll further increased over the months of July and August, said the diplomat.

Following the forceful take over by the Taliban, fear and panic have engulfed Afghanistan and many people are trying to flee the country in order to escape the terror group.

Noting that people now fear reprisal of Taliban against those working with the Afghan government or the international community, the Bachelet said that the terror group must ensure in the occupied areas that the ongoing respect for the international human rights commitments made by the State.

"Moreover, human rights violations undermine the legitimacy of the perpetrators - both vis a vis the people, and also with respect to regional and international institutions and other States," she said.

"I strongly urge the Taliban to adopt norms of responsive governance and human rights, and to work to re-establish social cohesion and reconciliation - including through respect for the rights of all who have suffered during the decades of conflict," she added.

She said that the United Nations is committed to stay and deliver aid to those in greatest need, supporting efforts to restore peace and stability and promoting the rights and dignity of all Afghans.

"With fundamental human rights in the balance, my Office will be working urgently to reinstate arrangements for monitoring human rights violations," she added.

( With inputs from ANI )