The UN Human Rights Council held a special session to address the serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan today, Tuesday.

The session was requested jointly by Pakistan and the Coordinator of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The UN rights chief expressed grave concern at the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban swept into power, saying their treatment of women would mark a “fundamental red line”.

Michelle Bachelet urged the Taliban to honour commitments to respect the rights of women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities, and refrain from reprisals.

“A fundamental red line will be the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls, and respect for their rights to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression, and employment, guided by international human rights norms. In particular, ensuring access to quality secondary education for girls will be an essential indicator of commitment to human rights.”

“The onus is now fully on the Taliban to translate these commitments into reality,” she said.

Bachelet said her office had received credible reports of serious violations in places that have been under Taliban control, including summary executions, restrictions of women’s rights, blocking girls from attending school, and recruitment of child soldiers.

“Human rights violations undermine the legitimacy of the perpetrators, both vis-a-vis the people and also with respect to regional and international institutions and other states,” she warned.

Aljazeera/Agencies/ UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet’s address to Special Session of UN Human Rights Council.