UN’s Richard Bennett Calls for Investigation into Self-Immolation of Young Girl in Ghor

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, on Thursday called for a thorough investigation and accountability following the self-immolation of Abida, a young girl in Ghor province. Her family reported that she set herself on fire after being pressured to marry a Taliban member.
In a social media post, Bennett wrote: “Shocking reports of a young woman’s suicide in Ghor. My thoughts are with her family. Investigation and accountability are essential. Systematic gender oppression also requires broader psychosocial support. I urge those suffering to talk to others, including professionals. There is still hope.”
According to Abida’s relatives, she took her own life after learning she was to be forcibly married to a Taliban fighter. The Taliban had repeatedly pressured her, and armed men reportedly entered the family home after her father and brother were detained and threatened. In response, Abida poured gasoline on herself and set herself on fire.
The Taliban have not commented on the incident.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights activists inside and outside Afghanistan. A campaign titled “I am Abida’s Voice” has emerged on social media to highlight the broader impact of gender-based repression under Taliban rule.
Human rights groups say Abida’s case is one among many, with a growing number of Afghan women turning to self-harm and suicide due to forced marriages, harsh restrictions, and lack of legal protection.
Bennett stressed that the systemic oppression of women in Afghanistan requires urgent global attention and concrete action to support women and girls.