The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Thursday called for an investigation and accountability following the reported suicide of a young woman in Ghor province who, according to her relatives, died by self-immolation after facing pressure to enter a forced marriage with a Taliban member.
“Devastating reports of suicide of young woman in Ghor. My thoughts are with family,” Bennett wrote in a social media post. “Investigation and accountability needed. Systematic gender oppression also requires more mental health support. For those struggling, talk to others, incl. professionals. There is hope.”
The woman, identified by her relatives as Abida, reportedly set herself on fire after learning that she was to be taken by force to marry a Taliban member. Her family, speaking to Amu on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, said that the Taliban figure had repeatedly pressured her to marry him. After detaining and threatening her father and brother, a group of armed men reportedly stormed their home. Facing what she believed to be imminent abduction, Abida poured fuel over herself and lit a match.
The Taliban have not commented on the incident.
The case has ignited widespread condemnation from Afghan and international human rights advocates. A campaign launched under the slogan “I am Abida’s voice” has gained momentum online, calling attention to the systemic abuse of women under Taliban rule and the psychological toll it continues to inflict.
Rights groups say Abida’s case is not isolated. A growing number of reports have emerged of Afghan women resorting to self-harm and suicide amid mounting restrictions, forced marriages, and the absence of legal protection.
“Systematic gender oppression” under Taliban rule, Bennett noted, demands not only international attention but concrete action to support women and girls in Afghanistan.
