UN Special Rapporteur to Highlight Women’s Health Rights in Afghanistan Amid Crisis

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, is preparing to deliver a comprehensive report on the right to health for women and girls in Afghanistan at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. This report comes amid the peak of health restrictions and educational deprivations in the country.

Focus Areas of the Report: From Health to Gender Apartheid

Bennett is set to present his report on Thursday, March 7 (26 February 2026), at the ongoing 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Following his recent trip to Pakistan and participation in conferences in Lahore, Bennett announced on social media that his new report will specifically focus on the deprivation of women and girls from their right to health and access to medical services.

Human Rights Implications of Forced Refugee Expulsions

During his recent visit to Pakistan, Bennett also raised alarms about the forced expulsion of Afghan migrants. He stressed that the involuntary return of these individuals, particularly civil activists and women, exposes them to serious human rights risks and legal persecution. This issue has been a significant part of his discussions with Pakistani officials and international diplomats in the region.

The Global Community at a Crossroads: Action or Diplomacy

The upcoming session in Geneva coincides with the Human Rights Council’s consideration of extending Richard Bennett’s mandate and establishing an independent investigative mechanism to examine alleged crimes in Afghanistan. While the interim government in Kabul consistently rejects such reports, labeling them as contrary to Islamic principles and Afghan culture, Bennett’s new report could intensify pressure on the Taliban ahead of forthcoming international meetings.