Human rights conditions in Afghanistan have taken a serious downturn since the Taliban regained control in 2021, with an expert panel highlighting these issues during a virtual hearing held by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Moderated by Commission Chair Stephen Schneck and Vice Chair Meir Solveichik, the discussion shed light on the regime’s oppressive measures against religious minorities and particularly the devastating impact on women and girls in Afghan society.
Schneck remarked on the heightened crackdown, noting that recent Taliban edicts severely restrict religious freedom for all individuals, including Muslims adhering to more lenient interpretations of Sharia. This oppressive atmosphere disproportionately affects Afghan women, subjecting them to harassment, arbitrary arrests, and dire consequences for non-compliance with the regime’s stringent standards.
Richard Bennett, the UN Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, indicated alarming signs of entrenched gender-based oppression and further repressive laws against ethnic and religious minorities. He cautioned that the Taliban’s prohibitions on expression and rights represent institutionalized persecution that could escalate to crimes against humanity. Bennett advocated for a comprehensive strategy to hold the Taliban accountable while condemning the adverse effects of cutting foreign aid.
Rina Amiri, a former U.S. envoy, described Afghanistan as the worst place globally for women’s rights, urging that any international dealings with the Taliban should prioritise human rights. Similarly, Metra Mehran from Amnesty International condemned the demoralising legal constraints that bar women from essential rights and freedoms, calling for the Taliban to maintain their designation as an Entity of Particular Concern.
Joseph Azam, from the Afghan-American Foundation, illustrated the fear instilled in those defying the Taliban’s extreme interpretations of Sharia, often resulting in secrecy surrounding faith. He underscored the necessity for pragmatic humanitarian aid distribution to ensure that the Taliban does not obstruct assistance efforts. Meanwhile, Kate Clark from the Afghanistan Analyst Network noted the Taliban’s unchecked authority and reinforced that meaningful change in Afghanistan must arise from local advocacy and organisations demanding human rights and freedoms, requiring reliable funding from international sources.
A recent hearing highlighted the worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, with increasing restrictions particularly on women and religious minorities. Panelists condemned the Taliban’s oppressive policies and called for continued support and accountability mechanisms. The need for humanitarian aid without interference from the Taliban was stressed, along with the importance of uplifting local advocacy for human rights within the country.
The expert panel’s hearing reveals a grave decline in human rights and religious freedoms in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, with alarming repercussions, particularly for women and religious minorities. Cutting off foreign aid exacerbates these issues instead of alleviating them, prompting calls for comprehensive accountability strategies. Ultimately, sustainable change must arise from within Afghanistan, supported by international partners committed to human rights and civic engagement.
Original Source: baptiststandard.com
