Status: 05.12.2021 4:43 a.m.
More than 20 countries have sharply criticized possible retaliatory measures by the Taliban against former Afghan security forces. According to Human Rights Watch, around 100 people were killed or disappeared.
In a joint statement, more than 20 states expressed their “deep concern” over the possible executions of former Afghan security forces by the Taliban.
The undersigned countries refer, among other things, to reports by the human rights organization Human Rights Watch, which became known at the beginning of the week. According to the report, the radical Islamic Taliban have killed or disappeared more than 100 former police and secret service members since they came to power in Afghanistan.
The states that have signed up to the declaration include the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Japan and Canada. The European Union is also one of the signatories.
“Serious human rights violations”
In the letter published on the website of the US State Department, the countries accuse the Taliban of alleged acts constituting “serious human rights violations”. In addition, such offenses would contradict the amnesty promised to the security forces. The states are calling on the Taliban to keep this promise to former members of the Afghan security forces and former government officials.
The allegations of executions or disappearances should be investigated “promptly and transparently” and those responsible should be held accountable.
Human Rights Watch suspects around 100 cases
Human Rights Watch released its report on Tuesday. It is based on interviews with witnesses, relatives, representatives of the previous government and Taliban representatives. According to the organization, it could be proven that at least 47 former military personnel were killed or disappeared in four provinces of Afghanistan. It also suggests that there are 53 other such cases.
The Taliban reject allegations that retaliatory measures against security forces are taking place. The Taliban took power in Afghanistan in mid-August and shortly thereafter announced an amnesty for former security forces.