U.N. to Decide on Afghanistan Abuse Probe Amid Global Tensions

The United Nations Human Rights Council is poised to decide on an EU proposal that aims to initiate a U.N. investigation into human rights abuses in Afghanistan. The proposed probe is intended to prepare evidence for potential court proceedings, potentially leading to criminal investigations of both the Taliban and foreign troops.

This EU motion is one of the most significant of its kind, comparable to existing inquiries into crimes in Syria and Myanmar. Historically, the United States, which withdrew troops from Afghanistan in 2021, has resisted scrutiny of its actions. Nonetheless, it supports examining alleged Taliban violations. Diplomatic sources report that former President Donald Trump withdrew from these negotiations, but insisted on protecting American troops from international jurisdictions.

The proposal has widespread international support, including from Ukraine, Norway, and South Korea, although there are concerns from countries like China regarding costs and efficacy. The comprehensive investigation, which lacks a specific time frame, would work alongside an existing ICC probe, potentially leading to war crimes prosecutions. The U.N. Council's decision could mark a vital step toward addressing past impunities in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)