All sides should respect human rights in Balkhab: Bennett

KABUL (Pajhwok): UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett has expressed concern over human rights abuses in the Balkhab district of northern Sari Pul province.

In a tweet, Bennett said disturbing reports of extrajudicial killings, civilians’ displacement, property destruction and other human rights abuses in Balkhab district of northern Sari Pul province are worrying, asking all parties to respect human rights.

Last Friday , some reports surfaced that fighting was ongoing between security forces and supporters of Maulvi Mehdi, a local Hazara commander in the Balkhab district.

Mehdi was the only Hazara commander in the Taliban forces, but he parted ways with the movement some time ago.

The Ministry of Defense in a statement on Saturday said security forces wrapped up a joint operation against armed rebels in Balkh district, but the operation was underway in remote areas.

The ministry said the operation ended after capturing of areas where the rebels were present.

Bennett said regrettably verification hampered by information blackout, internet cut and denial of access to media and HR monitors. “All parties must respect #IHRL & IHL”

He said there were alarming reports from Balkhab where Taliban forces reportedly carried out summary executions of several detainees in retaliation for armed resistance in the district.

He said the Taliban should cease all such collective punishments and other war crimes and hold their forces accountable.

"All parties must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law," he added.

Officials have not commented on Bennett's remarks, but deputy prime minister Abdul Salam in a meeting with Shiite clerics and leaders yesterday had said the government did not want to harm civilians and will not allow anyone to provoke "strife" among the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sharifi Balkhabi, on behalf of the participants, said that the people of Balkhab loved peace and they were patriotic and did not want any problems.

Without elaborating, he said: "The main culprits are those who are taking advantage of these issues."

ma