Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, extended his wishes for peace, dignity, and hope to the Afghan people in a message celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
In his message, shared on the social media platform X on Sunday, March 31, Bennett wrote: “On this blessed occasion, I extend my best wishes for peace, dignity, and hope. May this Eid bring joy to your hearts and strength in the pursuit of justice and human rights.”
His message comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face a severe human rights crisis.
Since the Taliban regained control of the country, extensive restrictions have been imposed on women and girls. The Taliban have excluded women from public life, barred girls from education beyond the sixth grade, and prohibited women from working in international organizations, further tightening their grip on fundamental freedoms.
These actions have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and the international community.
Beyond social restrictions, the Taliban have also intensified pressure on critics and opponents. Arbitrary arrests, suppression of free speech, and threats against civil society activists, journalists, and political figures have made Afghanistan one of the most restrictive countries in the world regarding civil liberties.
Bennett has repeatedly condemned these violations in his previous reports and has called for urgent measures to protect the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly women and minorities.