UN Rights Body Launches Continuous Probe into Taliban's Human Rights Abuses

The UN's Human Rights Council has taken a stand by launching an ongoing investigation into human rights abuses in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, placing emphasis on violations against women and girls. The decision, backed by the European Union, succeeded without opposition, with China being the sole country abstaining from the consensus.

The Council seeks to establish an "ongoing, independent investigative mechanism" to monitor and document rights violations in Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover. The resolution hopes to build case files for possible use by international justice systems, enhancing the work of the already appointed special investigator, Richard Bennett.

Last month, Bennett reported that the Taliban severely oppressed women and girls, using the legal system as a weapon in acts considered crimes against humanity. China's representative, Wang Nian, noted positive developments in Afghanistan, suggesting the resolution lacks balance by ignoring such progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)