Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council not to normalize engagement with the Taliban without establishing clear and measurable human rights benchmarks.
In a statement delivered during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the organization welcomed the latest report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. HRW said the report presents a deeply concerning picture of developments in the country over the past year and highlights the damaging impact of five years of Taliban policies on children’s rights.
Human Rights Watch said the Taliban have systematically restricted the fundamental rights of women and girls since returning to power in 2021. According to the organization, gender-based harassment and discrimination have become even more severe over the past year.
The rights group called on governments engaging with the Taliban to ensure that human rights remain central to their policies and diplomatic dealings with Afghanistan. It argued that international engagement should be linked to concrete progress that can be independently measured and assessed.
HRW has repeatedly criticized Taliban policies that restrict women and girls’ access to education, employment and public life. The organization has also raised concerns over the broader impact of these restrictions on Afghan families and children.
The latest statement adds to growing international pressure on the Taliban over its human rights record. While the Taliban authorities have defended their policies as being consistent with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan society, international rights organizations continue to call for the restoration of fundamental freedoms.
HRW’s call comes as countries weigh how to engage with Afghanistan while addressing humanitarian, security and political concerns.