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Afghanistan’s Taliban government has denied UN human rights rapporteur Richard Bennett entry into the country.

What’s the deal: According to both the United Nations and Taliban, Bennett was prevented from entering Afghanistan after the Taliban accused Bennett of spreading “propaganda” and “misinformation” about Human rights in Afghanistan.

What the Taliban is saying: In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, “Mr. Bennett’s travel to Afghanistan has been prohibited because he was assigned to spread propaganda in Afghanistan. He is not someone we trust … He used to exaggerate minor issues and propagate them.”

Bennett criticizes the Taliban: In a statement, Bennett condemned the Taliban’s decision, calling it a “step backwards.” He added, “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.”

Digging Deeper: Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, concerns about severe human rights violations, especially against women and girls, have grown. The Taliban has imposed strict restrictions, such as banning girls from school beyond age 12, barring women from most jobs, and limiting their freedom of movement without a male guardian. Human rights groups and the UN have condemned these policies.