As Afghanistan approaches the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, the United Kingdom is pressing for accountability over ongoing human rights violations.
Richard Lindsay, the UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, confirmed on Tuesday that a high-level meeting had been held to address the country’s escalating human rights crisis. Participants included the Asia director of Human Rights Watch, the UN special rapporteur on Afghanistan, and several human rights activists.
Since regaining control in August 2021, the Taliban have been widely criticised for systematic abuses, particularly the suppression of fundamental freedoms and discrimination against women and girls. Human rights groups report restrictive policies such as bans on girls’ education, limits on women’s employment, and severe crackdowns on freedom of expression, assembly, and dissent.
The UK and international partners continue to advocate for mechanisms to ensure that those responsible for these violations face accountability under international law.
