Richard Bennett, the UN special rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, said nationwide internet blackouts should never be imposed, calling them a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
His remarks came after internet and telecommunications services were restored this week following nearly two days of nationwide disruption ordered by the Taliban.
“Relieved to hear from people inside Afghanistan who are back online and reconnecting with one another and the world after almost 48 hours of darkness (longer for some),” Bennett wrote on Wednesday. He said cutting access not only disrupts lives but also violates the right to information.
Many Afghans were left without internet access for more than two days, a situation Bennett warned should never be repeated.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric also welcomed the restoration, saying the Taliban’s shutdown had harmed both Afghanistan’s economic stability and its citizens’ right to free expression and information.
The United Nations previously described the nationwide blackout as an additional crisis compounding Afghanistan’s already severe challenges.
