SOCIETY — April 1, 2026
UN Special Rapporteur Condemns Taliban Ban on Women Entering UN Offices
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett and 27 other experts condemned the Taliban ban on Afghan women entering UN offices as discriminatory and harmful to humanitarian aid. They called for its immediate revocation amid warnings of severe operational impacts.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read
UNITED NATIONS (Afghan Verified) -- Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has condemned a Taliban ban preventing Afghan women from entering UN offices and compounds as discriminatory and unjustifiable.
Bennett joined a joint statement from 27 other UN experts who described the policy as a "shameful" and "unjustifiable attack" that weakens life-saving humanitarian aid delivery. The experts warned of severe consequences for UN operations in Afghanistan, where female staff are essential.
The ban, enforced since September 2025 according to Amu TV, bars Afghan women including UN employees, contractors and visitors from accessing UN compounds. Amu TV reported that Taliban armed forces control the gates of these compounds to prevent women from entering.
The statement urged the Taliban to immediately revoke the "highly discriminatory policy" and called on UN bodies and member states to take strong diplomatic action.
Khaama Press reported Bennett's condemnation separately, highlighting its impact on women's rights and employment as well as humanitarian efforts. Both outlets attributed the remarks to Bennett's statements on X on Tuesday.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
2 independent sources corroborate the core event of Richard Bennett's public condemnation of the Taliban ban on women entering UN offices, with direct attribution to his statements on X/Tuesday and quotes from UN experts; minor detail variations do not undermine the event
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Khaama Press: "discriminatory and unjustifiable", "serious attack on women’s rights", "unjustifiable assault on women’s right to employment" - these phrases use strong evaluative terms like 'attack' and 'assault' to frame the policy as a moral violation, blending reporting with emotional advocacy.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has condemned the continued ban preventing Afghan women from entering United Nations offices, calling the policy discriminatory and unjustifiable.
Richard Bennett, joined by 27 UN mandate holders, also publicly condemned the ban via X: Joined by 27 UN mandate holders, I condemn the ongoing ban on Afghan women accessing UN premises – an unjustifiable attack on women’s right to work ...
- UN Experts Warn: Ongoing Ban on Women Entering UN Offices Is Deeply Concerning - Hasht-e Subh8am.media
The experts stated: “Preventing women from entering UN offices is a direct attack on women’s rights, including their right to work.”
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Richard Bennett condemned the ban on women entering UN offices
- The ban is described as discriminatory, unjustifiable, and harmful to women's rights and humanitarian aid
- UN experts issued a joint statement calling for its revocation
- Broader Taliban restrictions on women since 2021 context
Where reports differ
- Specific start date of the ban (September 2025 in Amu TV, not specified in Khaama Press)
- Taliban control of UN gates mentioned only in Amu TV
- Exact phrasing of Bennett's action (reposting in Amu TV vs. joining in Khaama Press)
Filed by 2 outlets
Amu TV
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Society — Richard Bennett, Taliban, UN Special Rapporteur, Afghan women, humanitarian aid
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