UN Special Rapporteur Calls On Taliban Rep To Secure Release Of Human Rights Defenders

On X social platform, Ambassador Qomi criticised the declaration, stating, "As long as the war crimes of America and its allies against civilians go unprosecuted, this declaration remains nothing more than a political tool in service of the US." He further argued that the declaration fails to reflect the suffering of thousands of children affected by the actions of the United States and Israel, from Afghanistan to Gaza, reducing it to a mere political manifesto.

The Iranian ambassador highlighted ongoing human rights challenges globally, particularly in regions like Afghanistan, Gaza, and Yemen, underscoring the inadequacy of declarations without real justice and restoration of human rights.

Simultaneously, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Iranian lawyer Narges Mohammadi in Norway brought renewed international focus to human rights issues in Iran. Mohammadi, imprisoned in Iran's Evin prison, could not attend the ceremony. Her teenage children accepted the Prize on her behalf, spotlighting Iran's own human rights concerns.

Moreover, the international community has frequently criticised the Taliban for their restrictive policies in Afghanistan, particularly concerning the prohibition of girls' education, women's employment, and the suppression of ethnic and religious minorities' freedoms.

In an interview with the Iranian Fars News Agency, Motahari underscored the deteriorating security situation and highlighted the recent surge in attacks targeting Shias in Afghanistan.

Despite the Taliban's claims of having improved security for all Afghans, concerns about escalating assaults on Shia and Hazara communities in Afghanistan persist. The last month alone has seen the assassination of at least five Shia clerics in Herat province.

Motahari, speaking on Sunday, lamented the current state of affairs: "Regrettably, the security situation is dire. We've seen an uptick in insecurity over the past 40 days, with religious scholars facing increased threats."

He pointed out the diverse objectives of the "terrorist" groups attacking Shia scholars, noting that these groups aim to provoke the Shia community against the Taliban and foster distrust between the Taliban and Shia community.

Motahari also referred to public requests for assigning security guards to Shia educational institutions, mosques, and public spaces.

Following the recent assassinations of five Shiite clerics in Herat, Mohammad Mohaqiq, head of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, voiced suspicions that these serial killings of Hazaras and Shiites are being carried out with the Taliban's complicity. He questioned the Taliban's capability to provide security or speculated on their possible involvement in fostering insecurity.

However, the head of the Ulema Council of Jebrael township expressed confidence in the Taliban's commitment to safeguard the Shia community in Herat.

According to a family member, Mohammadi disappeared last Monday following a summons by the Taliban intelligence agency and has not returned home since.

Whilst Tamadon TV and local journalist support organisations are reportedly working to secure his release, there has been no official acknowledgement of Mohammadi's detention by either Tamadon TV or the Taliban.

This incident highlights the escalating challenges faced by independent media in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban's return to power over two years ago, approximately half of the country's media outlets have ceased operations, and around 70% of media personnel have lost their jobs, as reported by a media support group. This situation underscores the increasing pressure on non-governmental media and their employees in the country.

Amiri emphasised that activists like Zholia Parsi, Manizha Seddiqi, Neda Parwani, Parisa Azada, and others, who are human rights defenders, deserve recognition rather than punishment.

In a statement on X social platform, Amiri highlighted that these women were imprisoned "for courageously standing up for the rights of the Afghan people." She reiterated her previous stance that the Taliban's discriminatory practices against women and girls rank among the most severe human rights violations globally.

Amiri also stressed the need for accountability for those complicit in oppressing Afghan women and girls. Under the Taliban's two-year rule, there has been a pattern of arresting critics, particularly women protesters. Since seizing power, the Taliban has enforced extensive restrictions on women, affecting multiple aspects of social and personal life and infringing upon their fundamental human rights.

Periodically, women have taken to the streets to protest against the Taliban's oppressive measures, showcasing their resilience and demand for basic rights and freedoms.

Earlier, the US Treasury Department had imposed sanctions on Khalid Hanafi, Taliban’s Minister of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, and Fariduddin Mahmood, head of the Afghanistan Academy of Sciences.

On Saturday, Decker wrote on X social media platform that Hanafi and Mahmood are complicit in serious human rights abuses against women and girls in Afghanistan.

On Friday, the US Treasury Department stated that these two Taliban officials are supporters of the prohibition on girls' education beyond the sixth grade.

Hanafi and Mahmood are among the people close to Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban.

These two senior Taliban officials are among the five members opposing the reopening of girls' schools due to their extreme views.

Following the takeover of power in Afghanistan, the Taliban closed girls' schools beyond the sixth grade and banned girls from attending university.

Taliban’s Ministry of Propagation of Virtues and Prevention of Vice has imposed strict regulations against women over the past two years. The ministry has banned women from traveling, going to parks, and restaurants, and taking part in sports activities.

In addition, the Taliban has consistently suppressed women's protests, arrested women's rights activists, and subjected them to torture.