The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has approved the establishment of an independent mechanism to investigate human rights violations in Afghanistan, with a special focus on the rights of women and girls.
The decision comes in response to ongoing reports of systematic abuses under the Taliban regime, including restrictions on education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls. The new mechanism will aim to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence of violations, laying the groundwork for potential accountability measures.
“Women and girls in Afghanistan have endured sustained oppression. This mechanism will ensure that violations do not go unnoticed and that perpetrators are held responsible,” said a UN spokesperson.
The Council’s resolution underscores the global community’s concern over the reversal of women’s rights since the Taliban returned to power. Among the documented abuses are the closure of girls’ schools, prohibitions on female participation in the workforce, and limitations on access to healthcare and justice.
Human rights experts have stressed the urgency of the probe. Fatima Rahimi, a women’s rights advocate based in Kabul, commented, “For Afghan women, this is a critical step toward international recognition of their suffering. Documentation is key to any future legal or political remedy.”
The mechanism will also coordinate with international bodies and human rights organizations to ensure a thorough investigation. While the Taliban have previously dismissed international concerns as interference, the UNHRC resolution demonstrates that the international community is committed to monitoring and addressing abuses against women and girls.
As Afghanistan continues to face political and humanitarian crises, the focus on protecting women’s rights highlights the importance of holding authorities accountable while supporting the resilience of Afghan women in the face of severe restrictions.
