Taliban decree expands executions and deepens repression, UN rights chief says

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the Human Rights Council that a Taliban decree signed last month defines crimes and punishments that contravene international obligations and is expected to take effect soon; he said it provides for corporal punishment and expands offences carrying the death penalty, while detailed text has not been published.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that a new decree signed by Taliban leadership last month will further limit rights and freedoms in Afghanistan, with particular impact on women. He said the decree defines several crimes and punishments that contravene Afghanistan's international legal obligations. Turk reported the decree provides for corporal punishment for numerous offences and extends the number of offences that carry the death penalty. Detailed provisions have not been published and Afghan authorities did not respond to requests for comment. Key points: - Volker Turk said the decree was signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and is expected to take effect soon. - Turk said the decree provides for the use of corporal punishment for numerous offences, including in the home, and said this legitimises violence against women and children. - He said the decree extends the number of offences that carry the death penalty and criminalises criticism of the de facto leadership, affecting freedom of expression and assembly. - Detailed text has not been published by the Taliban's Ministry of Justice or Supreme Court, and Reuters was unable to obtain the text; the Afghan administration did not respond to immediate requests for comment. Summary: The United Nations rights office says the decree would deepen repression, particularly for women and for freedoms of expression and assembly. It is expected to take effect soon; the next legal or procedural steps are undetermined at this time.