The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has made a groundbreaking move in the pursuit of justice for victims of human rights violations in Afghanistan, adopting a landmark resolution to create an independent mechanism aimed at investigating abuses under Taliban rule. This marks one of the most significant international steps taken since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021.
On October 6, the UNHRC issued a statement announcing that the resolution, which was introduced by the European Union, received overwhelming support from a wide coalition of countries across different political spheres and regions. Notably, the resolution passed without a vote and faced no opposition, highlighting the rare global consensus on the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, lauded the resolution as a “historic step forward,” asserting that it “leaves no room for any nation to justify their support for the Taliban.” He emphasized that this move serves as a clear message that the international community is committed to holding the Taliban accountable for the crimes committed during their rule.
The resolution explicitly warns the Taliban and other parties involved in grave human rights abuses that evidence is actively being collected for future prosecution. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, will see his mandate expanded to investigate and document severe violations, including torture, arbitrary detention, and gender-based persecution.
A key focus of the newly established accountability mechanism will be on Taliban leaders, governors, and security officials who have been accused of repressing women and girls, denying them education, healthcare, and basic freedoms of movement — acts that the UN has defined as gender persecution.
Human rights groups within Afghanistan and internationally have long demanded an independent investigation body to preserve evidence and ensure justice for the victims of these systemic abuses. They view this new initiative as a long-awaited and crucial response to the Taliban’s growing repression and a vital step towards future accountability.
The resolution is being regarded as a major turning point in the international community’s response to the crisis in Afghanistan, signaling a shift from mere condemnation to active, concrete measures aimed at ensuring accountability for the Taliban’s actions.
This move by the UN is seen as a significant stride toward justice for the countless victims of human rights violations under the Taliban’s regime. Human rights advocates believe the creation of this mechanism will maintain global pressure on Afghanistan, prevent future impunity, and send a clear message: the world is watching, and abuses will no longer go unchallenged.
