Taliban Bans UN Human Rights Rapporteur Bennett

The Taliban has banned Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, from entering the country, citing his role in 'spreading propaganda' and providing distorted information about the situation in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid characterized Bennett as unreliable and accused him of exaggerating issues for propaganda purposes. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, they have implemented strict interpretations of Islamic law, leading to significant restrictions on women, which the UN has condemned as 'gender apartheid.' While the UN has not confirmed the ban, it emphasizes the importance of cooperation with special rapporteurs. The Taliban has consistently dismissed international criticism of their policies and maintains that their objections to Bennett are personal rather than related to human rights monitoring. Bennett has been vocally critical of the Taliban, particularly regarding their treatment of women and civil society in Afghanistan.