UN Human Rights Council Opens 61st Session with Afghanistan on Agenda

The United Nations Human Rights Council opened its 61st session in Geneva on Monday, February 23, with Afghanistan's human rights situation included on the agenda.

The session will discuss the annual report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as reports from the commissioner's office and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, is scheduled to present his report focusing on the rights of women and girls in the country. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue, according to a council statement reported by Amu TV.

Naseer Ahmad Andisha stated that Afghanistan will be discussed in a dedicated dialogue and side events scheduled for February 26-27, as cited by Khaama Press. Amu TV reported that Bennett's presentation and dialogue are set for the opening day of the session.

The council recently extended Bennett's mandate for one year through resolution 60/2 and decided to establish an independent and ongoing investigative mechanism on international crimes and the most serious violations of international law in Afghanistan. It requested an oral update from the UN Secretary-General on this mechanism during the 61st session.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock addressed the session's opening, highlighting concerns over violations of Afghan women's rights. Human rights monitors have cited restrictions on education, employment, media freedom, and protections for minorities since the Taliban's return to power, according to Khaama Press.