In a powerful plea, a coalition of countries led by Iceland, and bolstered by support from Chile and South Africa, has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to form an independent mechanism to probe into human rights abuses occurring in Afghanistan. This joint statement, made last week, highlights the urgent need to ensure accountability for the alarming and persistent violations against human rights, especially since the Taliban’s return to power.
Richard Bennett, the UN’s special rapporteur on Afghanistan, recently warned of the Taliban’s relentless oppression, particularly focused on women and girls, in his February report. He stressed that the absence of substantial international accountability exacerbates the issue and advocated for a dedicated mechanism to gather evidence and prop up justice initiatives.
There is rising frustration among rights advocates regarding the European Union’s hesitance in spearheading the creation of this mechanism, especially as it holds the position of “penholder” on Afghanistan. Critics argue that while the EU has influenced the special rapporteur’s functions, the urgent situation necessitates a more robust and decisive intervention.
Since the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021, calls from Afghan and international civil society groups for an investigative body have intensified, aimed at documenting and analyzing evidence of severe rights violations. Advocates purport that this body could aid proceedings at the International Criminal Court, facilitating legal actions against crimes committed in Afghanistan.
Even though the EU recently acknowledged the necessity for stronger actions in its Human Rights Council resolution, it refrained from suggesting the establishment of an investigative body. Rights organisations caution that without such a mechanism, crucial evidence could vanish, severely hampering the pursuit of justice for victims.
An advocacy official expressed, “Every day, Afghan people — particularly women and girls — are suffering horrendous abuses. The EU should be doing all it can to advance the prospect of accountability. If it will not lead, others must step in.”
A coalition of countries, led by Iceland, is urging the UN Human Rights Council to create an independent mechanism for investigating ongoing human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur, supports this call, emphasizing the need for accountability. There is frustration over the EU’s reluctance to take the lead, despite recognizing the need for stronger measures. Rights advocates warn that without a dedicated body, crucial evidence may be lost.
A coalition of nations, led by Iceland, is passionately calling for the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent investigative mechanism to address human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Amidst increasing evidence of ongoing violations, particularly against women and girls, there is mounting pressure on the EU to act decisively. Advocates fear that without a structured approach, vital evidence will be lost, impairing the pursuit of justice.
Original Source: amu.tv
