GENEVA

The UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan on Friday urged the Taliban to release women human rights defenders, as the world celebrates International Women's Day.

"On International Women’s Day, I stand with the women and girls of Afghanistan who face an unparalleled level of institutional and systematic discrimination. I salute their bravery, creativity and leadership as they demand their rights," Richard Bennett said in a statement.

Reiterating his appeal to the Taliban to respect all the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and their cultural rights, Bennet urged the "meaningful and equal" participation of Afghan women and girls in all aspects of public life.

"I call on the Taliban to immediately and unconditionally release all those who have been arbitrarily detained for defending human rights, especially the rights of women and girls," he said.

Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

​​​​​​​Observed on March 8 every year, International Women's Day is dedicated to the honor social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also seeks to drive awareness around issues of women’s rights.