Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has voiced strong criticism of Russia’s recent move to recognise the Taliban administration, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Bennett expressed disappointment over Moscow’s decision, arguing that recognising a regime with a record of systemic human rights abuses particularly against women and girls risks legitimising repression.

“Disappointed by Russia’s recognition that sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening regimes in Afghanistan & beyond that violate human rights with impunity,” he wrote.

Russia formally recognised the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan earlier this month, raising the group’s flag over the Afghan embassy in Moscow, becoming one of the first major powers to take such a step since the group seized control in August 2021.