Afghanistan becomes “Human Rights Graveyard,” warns UN High Commissioner

KABUL: Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council that Afghanistan has become a “human rights graveyard.” He stated, “The flood of decrees and laws issued since the Taliban came to power in 2021 has had a devastating impact on the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls. These decrees are gradually being institutionalized into a broader legal framework.” The UN Commissioner cautioned that a new decree signed last month by the Taliban leader defines several “crimes and punishments” that conflict with Afghanistan’s international obligations and is expected to be implemented soon. The decree expands the number of offenses punishable by death. Türk also noted that for multiple crimes, even within the home, the Taliban have prescribed corporal punishments, effectively legitimizing violence against women and children. Criticism of the Taliban leader and their policies has also been criminalized, violating freedom of expression and assembly. He urged the Taliban to rescind the decree and align all their actions with international human rights obligations.