Sahar Fetrat, a researcher of the Human Rights Watch (HRW), called on the world to hold the Taliban accountable for "crimes" against women during the session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Fetrat stated that the international response to the Taliban's actions over the past three years has been inadequate and disappointing.

At the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, this Women's Rights Researcher at Human Rights Watch welcomed the latest report by Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, regarding the situation of Afghan women and girls.

Referring to the upcoming Doha meeting, Fetrat said that excluding Afghan women from this meeting is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolution on women, peace, and security.

She called on UN member states to ensure the full, meaningful, and safe participation of Afghan women in all discussions related to Afghanistan.

She emphasised that countries must heed the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur. Fetrat said that the world must seriously consider Bennett's calls to recognise gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.

Fetrat also stressed on the need to establish a comprehensive accountability mechanism, stating that countries should take prompt action regarding past and ongoing abuses by the Taliban, including crimes against girls and women.