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The rapporteur will be responsible for monitoring the human rights situation after the Taliban takes over the country.
The United Nations voted to establish a new special rapporteur on Afghanistan to investigate the illegal activities of the Taliban and other parties to the conflict, because there are growing concerns that as the country transitions to an “Islamic emirate,” the rights of citizens will be eroded.
The United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution proposed by the European Union on Thursday, requiring special rapporteurs to work locally in March 2022, with the support of UN legal analysis, forensics and women’s rights experts.
In a forum composed of 47 member states, 28 countries voted in favor, 14 abstained, and 5 opposed. China, Pakistan, Russia, Eritrea and Venezuela opposed the motion.
European Union Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Lot Knudsen said: “This is an important step to ensure continuous monitoring through a dedicated independent expert and help prevent the human rights situation in Afghanistan from further deteriorating.”
“We are particularly concerned about the rights of women and girls. The Taliban’s actions against women and girls and violations of their rights are very worrying.”
Amnesty International welcomed the decision, saying that an independent international investigative mechanism with the authority to record and collect evidence for future prosecutions is essential to ensure justice.
Last month, 50 organizations urged UN member states to establish a fact-finding mission or similar independent investigation mechanism for Afghanistan.
Amnesty International accuses the Taliban of human rights violations that may constitute war crimes, including the targeted killing of civilians and soldiers who surrendered, and the blockade of humanitarian supplies.
These include Killed at least 11 members of the Afghan force It belongs to the Hazara ethnic group in the central Dekondi province, shortly after taking power in Afghanistan.
Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Karamad said in a statement: “We hope that through this additional support, this task will be carried out against many crimes and human rights violations committed in Afghanistan under international law. Effective monitoring and investigation.”
“As the situation on the ground develops at a rapid pace, it is necessary to appoint a task leader as soon as possible and provide him with all the necessary resources to carry out the work in a timely manner.”
The UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is authorized by the Council to monitor the situation until March, when the Special Rapporteur will take over.
Although no government is eager to recognize the Taliban, the need for some form of cooperation with the organization has been widely recognized.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi said last month that the Taliban have room to discuss and participate in human rights issues, including the rights of women and ethnic minorities.
Grandi called on all countries in the world to contact the Taliban’s provisional government in Afghanistan, otherwise they would face the risk of a “humanitarian crisis” caused by the collapse of the country.
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