Voice Of Afghan People Must Not Be Overlooked, Says UN Rapporteur

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to seeking justice in Afghanistan, stressing that no voice or image depicting the country’s realities should be overlooked.

Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of Rights Monitor Media, a newly established platform dedicated to Afghanistan, Bennett highlighted the crucial role of independent media in amplifying the voices of Afghans and shedding light on their struggles. He emphasised the importance of holding Afghanistan’s ruling authorities accountable, underscoring the role of journalists and media organisations in bringing the voices of those inside the country to the world stage.

The event was also attended by Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, who reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s continued support for the Afghan people and its commitment to advocating for women’s rights.

Rights Monitor Media: A Platform for the Voiceless

Rights Monitor Media was founded by human rights activists and journalists Horia Mosadiq and Nahid Baqi, with the objective of being the “voice of the voiceless”.

At the launch ceremony, Nahid Baqi stated that while Rights Monitor Media will focus on human rights issues, it will also showcase various aspects of Afghan life and culture, ensuring that the voices of Afghan people, particularly women, are heard globally.

Horia Mosadiq added that the platform will function with the support of volunteer journalists and media activists, with investigative journalism as a core focus.

Rights Monitor Media’s website is available in Persian, Pashto, and English, and the platform also produces radio podcasts covering cultural, social, and human rights issues in Afghanistan.