The human rights landscape in Afghanistan has sharply declined since the Taliban reclaimed power in 2021. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom held a virtual hearing on March 19, moderated by Chair Stephen Schneck and Vice Chair Meir Solveichik, revealing how executive actions might exacerbate the already dire conditions.
During the hearing, Schneck highlighted the Taliban’s increased oppression of religious minorities, imposing restrictive edicts that notably affect women and girls, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests and harassment. He also mentioned the threat posed by Islamic State-Khorasan Province against communities like the Hazara Shi’a.
Richard Bennett, a UN rapporteur, painted a troubling picture of “systemic gender-based oppression” and ongoing discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities. He described the Taliban’s law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice as increasingly oppressive, leading to potential crimes against humanity. Bennett advocated for a multi-faceted approach to hold the Taliban accountable without withdrawing essential foreign aid.
Rina Amiri, a former State Department envoy, noted that Afghanistan currently represents the worst crisis for women, urging that international dealings with the Taliban must prioritise human rights, especially for women and girls. Metra Mehran from Amnesty International echoed these sentiments, condemning the severe restrictions on women’s freedoms including education and religious practices.
Joseph Azam from the Afghan-American Foundation described Afghanistan as one of the globe’s most oppressive regimes, highlighting that those diverging from Taliban interpretations of Islam live in fear of persecution. He stressed the crucial need for humanitarian aid to continue flowing while preventing Taliban interference.
Kate Clark from the Afghanistan Analyst Network underlined the necessity for change to initiate from within Afghanistan, supported by predictable funding from international bodies. She conveyed that the Taliban currently possess significant authority to enforce restrictive governance, complicating the situation for those striving for a more open society.
Human rights in Afghanistan have worsened under Taliban rule since 2021, with significant impacts on women and religious minorities. Expert testimonies during a recent hearing addressed the need for continued humanitarian support while holding the Taliban accountable for their oppressive actions and advocating for prioritising human rights in any international engagement.
The hearing illustrated a deeply concerning situation for human rights in Afghanistan, particularly highlighting the plight of women and religious minorities under Taliban rule. As global concerns grow, experts advocate for continued support for those battling for freedoms within Afghanistan, while also calling for accountability measures against the Taliban. To foster meaningful change, a unified approach that combines humanitarian aid with strong condemnation of oppressive laws is essential.
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