UN Human Rights Rapporteur to Address Alarming Health Rights Violations for Afghan Women in Geneva

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, is preparing to present a detailed report on the health rights of women and girls in Afghanistan during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, following his visit to Pakistan and discussions about the situation of refugees. This report comes at a time when health restrictions and educational deprivations in Afghanistan have reached alarming levels…

Report Focus: From Health to Gender Apartheid

Richard Bennett is expected to deliver not only a written report but also a strong speech addressing the concerning developments in the human rights situation during this session on Thursday, March 7 (February 26, 2026). According to preliminary information, the report will highlight the restrictions faced by women, particularly the prohibition of their access to healthcare facilities without a male guardian and the severe shortage of female healthcare providers due to the closure of educational institutions. Many experts and human rights activists have likened these policies to a clear case of gender apartheid and are calling for their criminalization at the international level.

Human Rights Implications of the Deportation of Refugees

During his recent trip to Pakistan, Bennett also warned about the forced deportation 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 pursuits. This issue formed a significant part of his discussions with Pakistani officials and international diplomats in the region. The situation is compounded by the escalating deportations of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, creating a humanitarian crisis that has drawn international concern here.

The Global Community at a Crossroads of Action or Dialogue

The upcoming session in Geneva comes as the Human Rights Council is contemplating the extension of Richard Bennett’s mandate and the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism to examine alleged crimes in Afghanistan. While the interim government in Kabul has consistently rejected these reports, labeling them as contrary to Islamic principles and Afghan culture, Bennett’s new report could increase pressure on the Taliban ahead of upcoming international meetings. Recently, the UN Security Council has called for urgent changes in Taliban policies amid Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, underscoring the global urgency for action.