The UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, will begin his six-day visit to Canada on Sunday, October 20.
The objectives of Bennett’s visit are said to include discussions with Canadian officials about Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and exploring ways for the Canadian government to collaborate in defending the human rights of the Afghan people.
During this trip, Bennett will also meet with human rights defenders, Afghan refugees, journalists, and civil society organizations.
The UN Human Rights Office announced: “The Special Rapporteur will visit Ottawa to meet with representatives of the Government of Canada. He will also travel to Toronto. He will engage with diverse groups of Afghans, including refugees who have been resettled in Canada since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.”
“Human rights is a global issue, and the United Nations strives to defend human rights. Afghanistan is considered one of the violators of human rights, and they are trying to find an appropriate solution to foster an understanding between the Islamic Emirate and regional countries,” said Sayed Muqaddam Amin, a political analyst.
This is Richard Bennett’s first trip since his mandate was extended for another year by the UN Human Rights Council.
The Islamic Emirate has not commented on this visit so far, but earlier, its spokesperson had described Bennett’s reports on the human rights situation in Afghanistan as biased.
The Islamic Emirate has banned Bennett’s entry into Afghanistan.