The United Nations Human Rights Council has announced a new probe into alleged rights violations in Afghanistan. The decision comes amid increasing concern over the Taliban’s policies, particularly those targeting women and girls.
On Monday, the council voted to establish an investigation team tasked with documenting and preserving evidence of potential international crimes. The move reflects growing international alarm over reports of widespread abuses since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Officials said the probe will focus on collecting credible evidence of human rights violations. This evidence may later be used in international legal processes. The council stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for abuses, while also sending a strong signal of global concern.
The decision follows mounting criticism from human rights organizations. Many groups have repeatedly called on the international community to act, citing restrictions on women’s education, employment, and freedom of movement. The UN described these policies as “systematic and deeply concerning.”
The establishment of this probe represents one of the strongest responses yet by the global body to the deteriorating rights situation in Afghanistan. Experts believe it could play a key role in documenting violations that might otherwise go unrecorded.
Afghanistan has been under increasing international scrutiny, with rights groups warning that the situation for women and minorities is worsening. Reports also highlight arbitrary detentions, censorship, and the silencing of activists.
The UN investigation is expected to face challenges, especially in terms of access and cooperation from Afghan authorities. Still, rights advocates say the move is essential to ensure accountability and to give victims a chance for justice.
This latest development underscores how international institutions are responding to crises that impact human rights on a global scale. In other sectors, even powerful corporations have faced pushback when public values are ignored. For example, Amazon Prime Video recently reversed a controversial change to James Bond’s imagery after fan backlash. Both cases highlight how accountability — whether for governments or corporations remains a central demand of communities worldwide.
For Afghanistan, however, the stakes are far higher. The UN’s decision to launch a formal probe reflects the urgency of addressing human rights concerns before the situation worsens further.
