The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said the recognition of women’s rights by the interim government officials in Afghanistan would help towards greater legitimacy for the interim government.
He made the remarks in an interview with TOLOnews TV.
“If the de facto authorities recognize women’s rights that they would stand a better chance. It would be a step towards not recognition, I don’t really use that word very much, but it would be a step towards a greater legitimacy,” Bennett said.
He said that no country in the world is treating women the way the “de facto” officials in Afghanistan do.
The UN special rapporteur voiced concern over the deterioration of human rights within the past two-years.
One of the main reasons for the deterioration of human rights, he said, “is the treatment of women and girls.”
“In fact, today, there was an index that was produced by the Georgetown institute for women, peace and security which rates every country for their treatment of women and girls and Afghanistan came last in the whole world,” he said.
Bennett further said that the treatment of women is causing mass concerns among members of the international community.
This comes as the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly insisted that the rights of all citizens are preserved within an Islamic structure and Sharia law.
However, the imposition of restrictions by the interim Afghan government on women and girls’ rights, including their access to education and work, have been criticized by the Islamic world.
