UN creates Afghanistan investigator post, over objections from China, Russia and Pakistan
- The special rapporteur will be responsible for monitoring the human rights situation in the country following the Taliban takeover
- The EU’s ambassador to the United Nations hailed the move as an ‘essential step’, and expressed particular concern over the militant group’s treatment of women
The European Union on Thursday won its battle at the UN Human Rights Council to create a new special rapporteur on Afghanistan, despite opposition from China, Russia and Pakistan.
The rapporteur will be responsible for monitoring the rights situation in the country following the Taliban takeover, and will make recommendations on improvements.
“This is an essential step to ensure continued monitoring, through a dedicated and independent expert, and to help prevent a further deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan,” said Lotte Knudsen, the EU’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva.
“The rights of women and girls are of particular concern to us. The actions of the Taliban directed against women and girls and the violation of their rights is highly worrying.”
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From extreme violence to keeping law and order, Taliban police patrol Afghan capital Kabul
The resolution creating the 12-month post was tabled with backing from the United States and the envoy appointed by the former Afghan government before the Taliban seized power.
