‘Multiple’ allegations over Taliban killings
THE UN human rights chief says her office has received credible allegations of reprisal killings by the Taliban of former Afghan security forces, as well as instances in which officials in the previous government and their relatives were arbitrarily detained and later turned up dead.
Michelle Bachelet, speaking yesterday to the Human Rights Council, warned of a “new and perilous phase” for Afghanistan as she criticised the Taliban for a disconnect between their words and actions.
She cited “multiple” allegations of Taliban house-to-house searches looking for officials from the previous government and “people who cooperated with US security forces and companies”.
Such searches took place in at least a half-dozen cities, Ms Bachelet said.
UN staffers have also reported increasing attacks and threats, she added, without providing specifics.
“My office has received credible allegations of reprisal killings of a number of former ANSF (Afghan National Security Forces) personnel, and reports of officials, who worked for previous administrations and their family members being arbitrarily detained,” she said.
“In some cases, the officials were released, and in others, they were found dead.”
Ms Bachelet also highlighted “deeply troubling information” about Taliban raids on offices of some advocacy groups.
“In contradiction to assurances that the Taliban would uphold women’s rights, over the past three weeks women have instead been progressively excluded from the public sphere,” she told the 47-member council as it opened its autumn session.
She said girls aged over 12 have been barred from attending school in some places in Afghanistan, and Women’s Affairs departments had been at times dismantled.
Meanwhile, the minister behind Operation Warm Welcome has outlined further details on the resettlement of thousands of Afghans to the UK.
Victoria Atkins, making a statement, told the Commons: “We recognise the difficult, exceptional and unique circumstances in which many arrived in the UK, so we will be offering immediate indefinite leave to remain to Afghan nationals and their family members who were evacuated or who were called forward during Operation Pitting but will come to the UK after evacuation.
“This will provide certainty about their status, entitlement to benefits and right to work.”
Ms Atkins said the UK’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan is “enduring” before outlining details of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme, which will result in up to 20,000 people being resettled in the UK.