ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has renewed its warning against normalizing the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, saying that five years of repression have provided no evidence that the group is moving toward moderation, while a fresh attack near a school in Kabul has raised further concerns about civilian safety.

UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett has condemned an explosion near the Sham-e Hedayat Private School in Mahdia Township, in western Kabul’s predominantly Hazara-populated Dasht-e Barchi area.

"I condemn the heinous attack harming numerous children near a school in Dasht-e Barchi yesterday. Once again, this mainly Hazara part of Kabul has been targeted. Deplorable! A full and independent investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice is essential," Richard Bennett said in a post on X on Tuesday.

According to Afghanistan International, the explosion took place on Monday evening and wounded at least 47 pupils, who are receiving medical treatment.

The newspaper says that no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, while the Taliban has not officially commented on the incident.

Dasht-e Barchi has witnessed repeated deadly attacks in recent years, including attacks targeting schools and members of the Hazara community.

The latest violence comes as the UN marks five years since the Taliban returned to power following the collapse of the former Afghan government in August 2021.

In a statement shared by Bennett and other UN-appointed experts, the rights experts reiterate their warning against the international normalization of Taliban rule, saying that accommodation without measurable human rights progress risks legitimizing repression.

Afghan media reports and residents across Afghanistan's cities and towns claim that women and girls continue to face sweeping restrictions on education, employment, movement, healthcare, and participation in public life.

The UN experts further warn that Afghanistan’s human rights crisis is unfolding alongside a severe humanitarian emergency. More than 17 million people faced acute food insecurity over the past winter, and millions of children suffered from acute malnutrition.

They urge governments to maintain humanitarian assistance and to make meaningful human rights improvements a condition for deeper engagement with the Taliban.

The latest school attack, coming amid these broader warnings, highlights the ongoing security and human rights challenges facing Afghanistan five years after the Taliban’s return to power.

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UN warns against Taliban normalization as Kabul school attack draws condemnation