The travel ban imposed on Richard Bennett, the United Nations Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, has sparked significant reactions.

In response to this decision, the United Nations said that Bennett plays a crucial role in strengthening global human rights and that the organization will fully cooperate with him.

Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, said: "He had been in Afghanistan I think in 2022 after the takeover of the de facto Taliban authorities, for us the mandate of special rapporteur, who are completely independent, for the Secretary General are the key part of the human rights..."

At the same time, Richard Bennett, in a statement, called the interim government's decision a step backward in human rights and urged the Islamic Emirate to reconsider.  Bennett emphasized that he would continue to document human rights violations.

The UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur said, " I have consistently sought to engage transparently with the de facto authorities, offering a critical assessment of the human rights situation in Afghanistan, as is my mandated responsibility, and making concrete, practical recommendations for improvement and offering technical assistance. Where there are differences of view, constructive dialogue is the answer. I urge the Taliban to reverse their decision and reiterate my willingness and availability to travel to Afghanistan. "

Human Rights Watch also said in a statement that the interim government's decision should strengthen the international community's resolve to document and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Afghanistan.

Some political analysts emphasized the importance of impartial reporting by Special Rapporteurs.

Saleem Paigir, a political analyst, told TOLOnews, "The presence of UN representatives is very important, provided they observe and report on the actual realities of Afghan society, which they are not doing."

Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told Deutsche Welle that Bennett is not allowed to travel to Afghanistan, and this decision was made due to his "anti-Afghanistan propaganda."