Richard Bennett Calls Abida’s Self-Immolation in Ghor “Shocking”

Photo: UN Photo by Pierre Albouy

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has called for an investigation and accountability in the case of the self-immolation of a young girl named Abida in Ghor province, describing the incident as “shocking.”

On Thursday (May 1), Mr. Bennett expressed his condolences to Abida’s family in a message published on social media platform X. He also emphasized the urgent need for increased mental health support in Afghanistan, citing the “systematic gender-based repression” by the Taliban.

The incident occurred on Sunday (April 27), when Abida, a young girl in the Taywara district of Ghor, set herself on fire using petrol and wood, and later died from her injuries. Local sources stated that Abida took this action after being threatened by a Taliban member who intended to forcibly marry her to his brother.

This tragic event has triggered widespread reactions. A number of women’s rights activists condemned the incident, describing it as a reflection of the critical condition of women in Afghanistan.