Since the start of the year, a number of civil society activists and journalists have been detained for speaking out against Taliban policies that restrict women and girls access to education, jobs and most other services. other areas of public life.
“No one should be detained for speaking out in defense of their fundamental rights and the rights of others,” OHCHR Spokesman Jeremy Laurence said in statement.
He added: “Arrest or detention as punishment for the lawful exercise of fundamental rights, such as freedom of opinion and expression, is arbitrary under international human rights law.
Top campaigner arrested
The statement came after the latest arrest, which occurred on Monday, according to OHCHR.
Matiullah Wesa, the head of PenPath, a civil society organization campaigning for the reopening of girls’ schools, was arrested by unidentified individuals traveling in an unlicensed vehicle. His whereabouts are unknown.
The same men also entered Mr. Wesa’s home the next day and arrested his two brothers, who were released a few hours later.
OHCHR said other activists and journalists have also been detained without clear information about their whereabouts, health conditions or any charges against them.
Respect human rights
“The human rights of detainees must be respected, in particular the right to be informed of the reason for their arrest at the time of their arrest, the right to be informed immediately of any charges against them. , as well as the right to see family. members and legal representatives,” Mr. Laurence said.
He reiterated that Afghanistan is a party to international human rights treaties. Therefore, Taliban leaders have an obligation to respect and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, opinion and peaceful assembly, as well as to provide access to education and the right to work.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and effectively banned girls and women from studying and working.
Handle Security Council Earlier this month, the United Nations Special Representative there, Roza Otunbayeva, said Afghanistan remains “the most repressive country in the world” when it comes to women’s rights.
