From October 20 to 26, 2024, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, will visit Canada to meet with government officials, Afghan refugees, and civil society representatives. This visit, Bennett’s first since his mandate was extended by the UN Human Rights Council for another year, aims to explore how Canada can continue to support human rights in Afghanistan amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
During his visit, Bennett will engage with Canadian officials in Ottawa and Toronto to discuss the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. His meetings with a range of stakeholders, including Afghan refugees, women’s rights defenders, journalists, and human rights activists, will focus on identifying ways in which Canada can help uphold the rights of Afghan people, particularly in the face of increasing restrictions by the Taliban.
The UN Human Rights Office has emphasized the importance of Bennett’s dialogue with the Canadian government and civil society organizations to strengthen international partnerships. Afghanistan’s human rights crisis has worsened since the Taliban assumed control, leading to widespread violations, especially against women and minorities. Bennett’s discussions with Canadian officials are expected to explore collaborative strategies to defend Afghan human rights, including continued humanitarian assistance and support for Afghan refugees who have resettled in Canada.
Despite the significance of Bennett’s visit, the Taliban government has banned his entry into Afghanistan, labeling his reports as biased and dismissing his efforts as propaganda. This has raised concerns about the Taliban’s reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue with the international community on human rights issues. The Islamic Emirate has yet to comment on Bennett’s Canadian visit, but it previously criticized his assessment of the Afghan human rights situation.
Bennett’s mandate extension by the UN Human Rights Council highlights the ongoing global effort to address Afghanistan’s human rights violations. His visit provides a platform for Afghan refugees and activists to voice their concerns and for Canada to reaffirm its commitment to supporting Afghan human rights. As Bennett engages with diverse stakeholders, his mission underscores the crucial role of international collaboration in alleviating the human rights crisis in Afghanistan.
