Taliban capture stoked desperation among many Afghans: UN human rights chief

Kabul: Afghanistans seizure by the Taliban has raised grave fears of a return to past patterns of human rights violations, and stoked desperation among many Afghans, said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

She added that in recent weeks, her office has received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law, as well as violations and abuses of human rights, by the parties to the conflict.

"In particular, we have also received credible reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law, and human rights abuses, taking place in many areas under effective Taliban control. They include, among



others, summary executions of civilians and hors de combat members of the Afghan national security forces; restrictions on the rights of women, including their right to move around freely and girls' right to attend schools; recruitment of child soldiers; and repression of peaceful protest and expression of dissent," Bachelet said.

She said that many people no fear reprisals by the Taliban against those working with the Government or the international community; people who have worked to advance human rights and justice; or those whose lifestyles and opinions are simply perceived to be opposed to the Taliban ideology.