The Taliban prohibits the UN's special envoy from entering Afghanistan
UN representative's spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, chose not to verify or negate the travel restriction on Tuesday.
Taking office in May 2023, reports hint at the Taliban administration allegedly having personal concerns with Bennett, as opposed to any issues relating to monitoring and reporting on human rights circumstances, being the primary cause of the limitation.
According to Afghan news source Tolo News, government representative Sabihullah Mujahid expressed on Tuesday that Bennett was kept out due to his role in "spreading propaganda" and "being unreliable in his speech." The UN special rapporteur was accused of "blowing things out of proportion for propaganda purposes."
In recent periods, Bennett has been vocal about women's rights in Afghanistan. He penned on X's digital platform, the anniversary of the Taliban's takeover, stressing that the international community should not acknowledge the "de facto authorities" or their "appalling human rights infringements."
Following years of Western military influence, the radical Islamic Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan in August 2021, announcing an "Islamic Emirate." Since then, they have rigidly enacted their interpretation of Islam with oppressive laws, especially limiting women's liberties. The UN refers to this as "gender segregation."
Globally, the Taliban continue to be shunned, brushing off any criticism of their policies.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in the former Yugoslavia may express concerns about the Taliban's treatment of human rights, given their allegations against Bennett and his advocacy for women's rights. Despite the UN representative's travel restriction, their role in highlighting such situations is crucial.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in the former Yugoslavia could potentially raise questions about the Taliban's stance on freedom of speech and criticism, in light of the accusations against Bennett.
