Countries Urge UN Human Rights Council for Accountability in Afghanistan

A coalition led by Iceland urges the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan to ensure accountability for human rights abuses, particularly relating to the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls. The call reflects dissatisfaction with the EU’s inaction as advocates continue pressing for stronger measures to document and respond to ongoing violations.

Recently, a coalition of countries, spearheaded by Iceland and supported by Chile and South Africa, urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to prioritize accountability for human rights violations in Afghanistan. Their declaration recommended that the council establish an independent investigative mechanism to enhance the ongoing endeavors of the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur, previously cautioned that the lack of accountability for the Taliban has aggravated their oppressive actions against women, girls, and broader human rights. In his February report to the Human Rights Council, he advocated for the creation of a specialized investigative mechanism to aid in holding violators accountable.

The joint statement highlights dissatisfaction with the European Union’s (EU) reluctance to spearhead the council’s initiative aimed at accountability for Afghanistan, despite the EU’s significant contributions, including strengthening the rapporteur’s mandate. Observers recognize that a more assertive approach is necessary in light of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021, both Afghan and global civil society organizations have persistently requested the establishment of an independent mechanism by the Human Rights Council. This entity would be tasked with investigating, documenting, and analyzing evidence of severe human rights violations, especially pertaining to the systematic oppression of women and girls by the Taliban.

Although there is a consensus on the necessity of enhanced accountability measures for international crimes in Afghanistan, the latest EU-led resolution refrained from endorsing such initiatives. Meanwhile, Afghan citizens, especially women and girls, endure extreme abuses daily, and the urgency to preserve pertinent evidence is paramount. The EU must actively pursue justice for these victims by implementing a comprehensive accountability mechanism; otherwise, the leading states of this statement should take necessary actions.

The call from Iceland, Chile, and South Africa for a robust investigative mechanism underlines the urgent need for accountability regarding human rights abuses in Afghanistan. The collaboration emphasizes the role of international entities in enforcing mechanisms that protect vulnerable populations from ongoing oppression. The EU’s hesitance to take decisive action could hinder the quest for justice, prompting responsible states to intervene and uphold human rights standards.

Original Source: www.hrw.org