HRC58: Escalating Human Rights Crisis in Afghanistan 

 The 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

24 February - 4 April 2025

Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan

27 February 2025

By Hiya Sharma / GICJ

Executive Summary

The 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue to examine the Special Rapporteur’s latest report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett reported an alarming deterioration of human rights under Taliban rule, characterised by systematic gender-based oppression, persecution of minorities, and a dire humanitarian crisis. He warned that the Taliban’s institutionalised oppression of women and girls may amount to gender apartheid – a crime against humanity and detailed how draconian Taliban policies have devastated Afghan society. Delegations from numerous countries overwhelmingly condemned the Taliban’s abuses, with many calling for urgent accountability measures and insisting that no international recognition or normalisation of the Taliban should occur until there are concrete improvements in human rights. 

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) endorses these concerns and urges robust international action: the Taliban must be held accountable for their atrocities, Afghanistan’s civilians must receive increased humanitarian support, and the rights and dignity of Afghan women, girls, and minorities must be at the forefront of the global response.

Background

After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has witnessed a severe rollback of human rights. Women and girls have been barred from secondary and higher education, pushed out of most workplaces, and face harsh restrictions on movement and dress. Civil society and independent media have been muzzled, many human rights defenders and former government officials have faced reprisals, and ethnic and religious minorities (such as the Hazara Shia community) have suffered targeted violence and discrimination. This rapid erosion of fundamental rights prompted the Human Rights Council to establish the mandate of a Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan in late 2021. Richard Bennett was appointed in 2022 to monitor and report on human rights in Afghanistan​. Since then, he has issued several reports documenting the worsening conditions.

By early 2025, Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has become one of the gravest in the world. Economic collapse exacerbated by the Taliban’s misrule, international sanctions, and the suspension of development aid an estimated two-thirds of the population in urgent need of assistance. Basic services have crumbled, and nearly 20 million Afghans face acute hunger. Yet, the Taliban’s de facto authorities have continued to enforce ultraconservative decrees, claiming they are implementing Islamic law while largely ignoring calls from the international community to respect human rights. Thus, it is in this context that the Human Rights Council’s 58th Session convened an interactive dialogue on Afghanistan. The session allowed Bennett to present his latest findings and provided UN Member States an opportunity to respond, raise concerns, and outline the next steps. The dialogue also follows HRC Resolution 57/3, which renewed the Special Rapporteur’s mandate and requested an examination of the Taliban’s new edicts (including the so-called Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice), a decree that institutionalises gender-based oppression by imposing strict dress codes, banning women from education and most forms of employment, restricting their movement without a male guardian, and erasing them from public and political life under the pretext of enforcing morality.

Summary of the Special Rapporteur’s Report

Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett presented a grave assessment of Afghanistan’s human rights situation under Taliban rule, warning that the country has become the epicentre of gender-based oppression, civic repression, and worsening humanitarian conditions. He stated that the Taliban’s systemic subjugation of women and girls is widespread and institutionalised, meeting the threshold of gender persecution, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute. Since taking power, the Taliban have issued numerous edicts barring women and girls from education, employment, and public life, imposing strict dress codes, and enforcing male guardianship restrictions. Bennett firmly asserted that this deliberate erasure of women and girls aligns with the concept of gender apartheid, calling on the international community to codify it as a crime under international law.

Beyond gender apartheid, Bennett documented severe human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities, including Hazaras and Sufi Muslims, who have faced targeted violence and systemic discrimination. Reports indicate enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and violent reprisals against former government officials and security personnel. Freedom of expression has been obliterated, with journalists, activists, and human rights defenders facing arbitrary detention, torture, and intimidation. The Taliban’s justice system lacks due process, with widespread reports of public floggings, cruel punishments, and arbitrary detentions. Bennett warned that the climate of fear, mass surveillance, and self-censorship have created a society where dissent is impossible.

The report also examined Afghanistan’s deepening economic and humanitarian crisis which Bennett said is exacerbated by both Taliban policies and international funding cuts. He criticised the Taliban’s mismanagement and restrictive edicts, such as banning women aid workers, which has severely disrupted humanitarian operations and worsened food insecurity. With nearly the entire population now living in poverty, Afghans’ rights to food, health, and work have been severely impacted. While Bennett urged the continuation and expansion of humanitarian aid, he cautioned that it should not inadvertently legitimise Taliban rule and must be conditioned on basic human rights protections.

A significant focus of the report was the Taliban’s formalisation of repressive policies through the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” (PVPV) law, which legally entrenches gender-based discrimination, social control, and repression. The decree consolidates existing bans on education, employment, and mobility for women, empowers men to enforce Taliban-prescribed moral codes within families and communities, and prescribes penalties that formalise women’s subjugation as state policy. Bennett warned that these extreme laws not only violate international human rights standards but also fracture Afghanistan’s social fabric, as restrictions on women’s education and employment cripple the healthcare and education sectors and further degrade long-term development prospects.

In his conclusions, Bennett emphasised that the Taliban have shown no signs of reversing course, and international inaction will only embolden them. He called on the global community to reject normalisation or engagement with the Taliban unless concrete human rights benchmarks are met, particularly the restoration of women’s rights. He welcomed legal efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, commending the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent request for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders. He also reiterated the need for an independent investigative mechanism to systematically document Taliban crimes and preserve evidence for future prosecutions, a recommendation widely reflected by Afghan civil society.

Bennett urged states to recognise gender apartheid as a distinct international crime, strengthening legal frameworks to address large-scale gender-based repression. He also called on all countries to uphold non-refoulement protections, ensuring that Afghans fleeing persecution are not deported back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. In his closing remarks, Bennett expressed solidarity with the Afghan people, particularly women, youth, and human rights defenders, who continue to resist oppression. He stressed that restoring fundamental rights is not just a moral imperative but also essential for Afghanistan’s long-term peace and stability.

Interactive Dialogue on Human Rights in Afghanistan

Opening Statement – Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, opened the dialogue by describing Afghanistan’s human rights crisis as one of the worst in the world. He warned that the Taliban’s oppressive governance has institutionalised gender-based discrimination, erased civic space, and deepened an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. He stressed that the Taliban’s system of gender apartheid, formalised through the Vice and Virtue Law, constitutes a systematic attack on women and girls, which may amount to crimes against humanity.

Bennett noted that 23 million Afghans—almost half the country’s population—require humanitarian assistance, yet international support has declined due to funding cuts and restrictions imposed by the Taliban. He highlighted the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, including the Hazaras and Sufi communities, who face targeted killings and systemic discrimination. The Taliban’s rule has also resulted in increased corporal punishment, public floggings, torture, and extrajudicial killings, with journalists, human rights defenders, and former government officials being arbitrarily detained and subjected to reprisals.

He expressed deep concern over the growing climate of fear, stating that self-censorship is widespread, civil society has been dismantled, and communities are increasingly fragmented under authoritarian rule. The Taliban’s continued violations, combined with economic hardships, risk fuelling radical ideologies that threaten both regional and global security.

The Special Rapporteur called for urgent action, urging the international community to:

1. Reject any normalisation of the Taliban without measurable human rights benchmarks.
2. Establish an independent investigative mechanism to document and prosecute Taliban crimes.
3. Ensure targeted sanctions and legal accountability, including through the ICC and ICJ.
4. Increase humanitarian support while ensuring aid reaches those in need without Taliban interference.
5. Recognise gender apartheid as an international crime, reinforcing global efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

He concluded by emphasising that the lack of a unified international response has emboldened the Taliban. He warned that continued inaction would have devastating consequences, not just for Afghanistan, but for regional and international stability.

Statement from the Country Concerned – Afghanistan

The representative of Afghanistan welcomed the Special Rapporteur’s comprehensive and urgent report, expressing gratitude for his commitment to exposing the Taliban’s crimes. He lamented that under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has become a country where fundamental rights are systematically dismantled, international laws are disregarded, and impunity prevails.

He strongly condemned the Taliban’s deepening gender persecution, emphasising that the Vice and Virtue Law has further institutionalised the oppression of women and girls, eroding any remaining freedoms. He also highlighted the dismantling of civic space, the persecution of journalists, academics, and civil society leaders, and the marginalisation of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Hazaras and other at-risk communities.

The representative denounced the Taliban’s diplomatic disregard for international norms, citing their ban on the Special Rapporteur’s visit, withdrawal from the ICC, and outright rejection of engagement. He warned that despite diplomatic overtures from the international community, the Taliban has shut down all avenues for constructive dialogue.

To address systematic impunity, Afghanistan called for:

1. A well-resourced independent UN investigative mechanism to ensure accountability.
2. The indictment of Taliban leaders under the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
3. Legal action through the ICJ and CEDAW’s universal jurisdiction initiative.
4. Targeted individual sanctions, such as those imposed on the Taliban’s Minister of Education.
5. An accountability framework that prevents future atrocities and encourages internal dissent within the Taliban regime.

The Afghan representative urged all states to reject any engagement with the Taliban unless tangible, verifiable progress on human rights is achieved. He reiterated that the international community must take coordinated, urgent action to prevent further suffering and ensure Afghanistan’s return to inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and democratic freedoms.

Countries and Regional Groups Statements 

The European Union unequivocally condemned the Taliban’s systematic violations, particularly the gender-based persecution of women and girls, warning that these actions may amount to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. It called for full adherence to CEDAW and CRC and the protection of minorities. The EU emphasised that the Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Law is an extreme policy that enforces ideological control over society, and it reaffirmed that no normalisation or diplomatic engagement should take place without clear improvements in human rights.

Pakistan (on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) acknowledged the grave human rights situation, reiterating the need to safeguard the rights of women and girls in line with Islamic teachings. The OIC expressed solidarity with Afghanistan’s suffering population, emphasising the need for increased funding for humanitarian efforts. However, it criticised references to SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) as divisive and counterproductive, warning that such discussions could weaken international unity on Afghanistan.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Afghanistan, emphasising that prosperity, peace, and economic recovery will only be possible through the full participation of women and girls in society. The UAE highlighted its commitment to humanitarian aid, announcing the opening of ten new medical facilities in Afghanistan to address healthcare gaps caused by the Taliban’s restrictions. The delegation called on the international community to mobilise resources to address Afghanistan’s growing humanitarian crisis.

Iran emphasised its historical and social ties with Afghanistan, stating that it has kept open all avenues of engagement despite the Taliban’s oppressive rule. It highlighted that Iran currently hosts over five million Afghan refugees, underscoring its continued support for the Afghan people. Iran acknowledged the severe impact of the Taliban’s policies on women and girls but also stressed the economic hardships faced by all Afghans, warning that these challenges must not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention. It called for a realistic and comprehensive approach to addressing Afghanistan’s crisis rather than external interference from extra-regional actors.

The Russian Federation expressed concern over restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms in Afghanistan but also criticised Western intervention as a contributing factor to the crisis. The Russian representative stated that the US, UK, and their allies bear responsibility for cutting off Afghan education and seizing Afghanistan’s assets, which has exacerbated the country’s economic collapse. Russia accused America and NATO of destabilising Afghanistan during their years of military presence and insisted that the West must be held accountable for its role in the ongoing crisis.

China voiced concerns over Afghanistan’s future, particularly regarding the return of Afghan refugees from abroad and the ongoing economic collapse. The delegation criticised Western sanctions and the freezing of Afghan assets, arguing that these unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) undermine human rights and jeopardise Afghanistan’s stability. China called for a flexible and pragmatic approach to engaging with the Taliban and addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, urging the international community to work towards economic recovery rather than isolating the country.

The United Kingdom (UK) reaffirmed its full support for the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, condemning the Taliban’s latest ban on women’s access to medical institutions as appalling. The delegation stated that the exclusion of women from education and employment is a blatant violation of human rights, particularly in critical fields like healthcare, where female professionals are essential to providing medical services. The UK pledged its unwavering commitment to all Afghans, reiterating that women’s rights must be fully restored and their access to education and work must be protected.

Qatar expressed deep concern over Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and economic collapse. It called for women’s participation in peacebuilding, education, and employment while advocating constructive engagement with the Taliban rather than isolation. Qatar urged international donors to mobilise financial resources to aid the Afghan people and highlighted its contributions, including scholarships and economic empowerment programs for Afghan women.

Ukraine denounced the Taliban’s erasure of women from public life, calling the situation one of the world’s worst human rights crises. It rejected recognition of the Taliban regime and supported continued UN scrutiny and legal accountability. Ukraine called for the protection of Afghan civil society and the participation of Afghan women in all discussions about the country’s future.

Canada condemned the Taliban’s gender apartheid and warned that their systematic oppression of women and girls is worsening. It supported legal action against the Taliban through CEDAW and the ICC and called for continued international pressure, sanctions, and non-recognition of the regime. Canada pledged ongoing humanitarian aid and support for Afghan women’s rights defenders.

Turkey criticised the Taliban’s repressive policies, particularly the exclusion of women from education and employment, stating that these contradict Islamic values. It urged the Taliban to reverse restrictions on women and form an inclusive government. Turkey also emphasised the importance of humanitarian aid and called for improved access to assistance, particularly for women-led aid efforts.

Civil Society and NGO Contributions

At HRC 58, civil society organisations and NGOs raised grave concerns over the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations, calling for urgent international action, accountability, and sustained humanitarian support. Many organisations agreed that the institutionalised oppression of women and girls amounts to gender apartheid, a state-enforced system of gender-based persecution that strips women of fundamental rights, including education, employment, movement, and public participation. The Vice and Virtue Law was widely cited as a mechanism of control, reinforcing severe restrictions that have effectively erased women from Afghan society. Many also warned of the dismantling of civic space, as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders face arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances, leaving Afghanistan in a climate of fear and self-censorship. In addition, humanitarian groups highlighted the worsening crisis, with nearly 23 million Afghans in urgent need of aid. However, Taliban-imposed restrictions—such as the ban on women working in humanitarian organisations—have severely hindered aid operations, disproportionately affecting women and children.

​​It was reiterated that the international community must act decisively—through legal accountability, sustained pressure, and humanitarian support—to prevent further atrocities and ensure that the rights and dignity of the Afghan people are restored.

Concluding Remarks

Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett closed the session with a grave warning about Afghanistan’s deepening human rights crisis, emphasising that the Taliban’s systematic oppression of women and girls amounts to gender persecution or even gender apartheid. He highlighted widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, forced disappearances, and the silencing of civil society, stressing that these violations demand urgent global action. Bennett urged the international community not to normalise or legitimise the Taliban's rule and instead use all available tools to hold perpetrators accountable, support Afghan civil society, and maintain humanitarian assistance while ensuring it reaches those most in need. He called for a unified, principled international strategy that places human rights at the centre of all engagement with Afghanistan. Ending impunity, protecting women’s rights, and ensuring justice must remain top priorities, as failure to act will only embolden the Taliban and worsen the suffering of millions of Afghans.

Position of the Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report and strongly condemns the Taliban’s continued and systematic violations of fundamental human rights in Afghanistan. The institutionalised persecution of women and girls, the erasure of civil society, and the targeted attacks on ethnic and religious minorities are clear breaches of international law and must not go unanswered. The Vice and Virtue Law is not just another restrictive measure—it cements gender apartheid as state policy, constituting a widespread and systematic attack that may amount to crimes against humanity. The lack of a unified international response has emboldened the Taliban, and inaction will only exacerbate the suffering of Afghan civilians.

The complete dismantling of women’s rights, including bans on education, employment, movement, and civic participation, is a direct violation of Afghanistan’s obligations under CEDAW, the CRC, and other international treaties. The Taliban’s restrictions on independent media, suppression of human rights defenders, and rise in extrajudicial punishments, including public floggings and executions, demonstrate a pattern of governance based on fear and repression. Furthermore, the Taliban’s systematic targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazaras and Sufis, raises serious concerns of ethnic cleansing and genocide, which demand urgent international scrutiny.

GICJ urges the immediate establishment of an independent UN investigative mechanism to collect evidence of human rights violations and war crimes in Afghanistan. The international community must maintain and expand targeted sanctions against Taliban leaders, pursue legal accountability through the ICC and ICJ, and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the Afghan people without strengthening the Taliban’s grip on power. Additionally, states must uphold their commitments to protect Afghan refugees and asylum seekers by enforcing the principle of non-refoulement.

The Taliban’s actions violate every principle of justice and human dignity. GICJ calls on all UN Member States to take coordinated and decisive action to prevent further suffering, hold perpetrators accountable, and work toward restoring fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan. The time for half-measures has passed—history will not kindly judge those who stood by in silence.

Human Rights in Afghanistan, Gender Apartheid, Women’s Rights, Taliban Oppression, Freedom of Press, Persecution of Minorities, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, ICC, ICJ, Accountability, Justice for Afghanistan, UNHRC, Independent Investigative Mechanism, Humanitarian Crisis, Refugee Rights, Non-Refoulement.

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