UN seeks to monitor Taliban rule in Afghanistan

By Nathan Morley

The United Nations Human Rights Chief has called on member states to create a dedicated body to monitor Afghanistan.

Speaking in Geneva at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet urged ‘bold and vigorous action’ to monitor the rights situation in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover.

Bachelet said Taliban treatment of women and girls would be ‘a fundamental red line’.

Meanwhile amid continuing scenes of chaos at Kabul airport, Afghanistan’s UN ambassador has urged the international community not to turn its back on those trying to flee Taliban rule.

At least 20 people have lost their lives in shootings and stampedes since last week at the airstrip. Over 10,000 were evacuated on Monday, but time is short as the 31 August deadline creeps closer.

In a separate development, the World Health Organization says it only has enough medical supplies in Afghanistan to last for a week.

Deliveries of tonnes of supplies, such as surgical equipment and food, have been held up by restrictions at Kabul airport.

However, the WHO says 95percent of health facilities in Afghanistan remain operational.