Human rights groups call for specific mechanism to investigate human rights violations in Afghanistan

In an open letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council, at least 63 human rights groups have called for the creation of an independent and specific mechanism to investigate crimes and human rights violations in Afghanistan.

The letter sent on Monday, September 4, contains three important requests made to the member and observer countries of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Human rights groups have demanded the extension of UN Special Rapporteur’s Mission in Afghanistan, while emphasizing the urgent need to establish an independent investigation mechanism in the upcoming meeting of the Council, due in seven days, in order to document human rights abuses and atrocities, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ultimately help prevent further human rights violations.

These organizations have also stressed the importance of continuing the discussion about the fate of women and girls in Afghanistan.

The letter also states that, over the past two years, Afghanistan has witnessed an alarming increase in revenge killings, executions, torture, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and crimes against human rights defenders, journalists, artists and former government officials.