A warning to Taliban
The Human Rights Watch has come up with a stern warning for the Taliban regarding its systematic human rights abuses. In a synopsis on discrimination against women and children in particular, the HRW warned against granting diplomatic recognition to the regime in Kabul and blamed it for "institutionalizing a system of discrimination, repression and ideological control" over its hapless subjects. The rights watchdog also called upon the international community to censure the regime unless it matches its words with actions by ensuring an inclusive government.
HRW asserts that the Taliban's 'gender apartheid' policies are a crime against humanity. The watchdog has set a clear benchmark for future diplomatic interaction, demanding quality education, freedom of expression and meaningful participation for women in social and public life. This serves as a serious indictment against the dispensation in Afghanistan, coinciding with a similar declaration delivered by the 10-member SCO at its recent summit in Bishkek. The regional bloc also called for ushering in inclusivity and abiding by the 2020 Doha Accord by acting proactively against the terror networks holed up inside the strife-torn country.
The HRW warning coincides with a critical report from Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur, on the impact of Taliban policies on children issued at a time when the region is in deep turmoil. There is currently little focus on civil liberties by the self-proclaimed custodians of rights and democracy, many of whom prefer to look the other way for reasons of realpolitik. Meanwhile, an enterprising and resilient nation is suffering, and the future of young girls, especially, is at stake as they remain barred from education. Likewise, women are being blocked from working outside the home, pushing Afghan society back to the Stone Age.
The to-do list is uncontestable: strengthening child protection, ensuring the justice system, preventing forced marriages and providing inclusive healthcare alongside universal education. The Taliban can neither hide behind political exigencies nor justify their actions in the name of tradition. It is time for them to shun radicalism for a better tomorrow.