Afghanistan
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed policies severely restricting rights—particularly those of women and girls. They have banned women from many forms of employment and prohibited girls and women from attending secondary school and university. The Taliban have also carried out broad censorship and have detained and tortured journalists and activists. Groups affiliated with the Islamic State have carried out bombings targeting ethnic Hazaras-Shias and others, killing and injuring hundreds.
The Afghan economy collapsed after August 2021 when the US, World Bank, and other donors cut off foreign development assistance. Over 90 percent of the Afghan population faces food insecurity along with a rise in malnutrition-related disease.
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Human Rights Council
Videos
Videos
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March 19, 2025
Pakistan: Forced Returns Expose Afghans to Persecution, Destitution
End Deportations, Coercive Police Practices While Taliban Abuses Persist
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December 6, 2023
“Schools are Failing Boys Too”
The Taliban’s Impact on Boys’ Education in Afghanistan
News
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March 20, 2025
Religious Freedom in Afghanistan: Three Years After the Taliban Takeover
Testimony to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom
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March 7, 2025
Cricket Council: Address Taliban Ban on Women Athletes
Permit Afghanistan Women’s National Team in Exile to Play
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March 7, 2025
Letter to International Cricket Council
Regarding Suspending the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Implementing a Human Rights Policy
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March 7, 2025
Celebrating Afghan Women’s Achievements
Relentless Advocacy Propels Legal Challenges to Taliban Abuses
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March 7, 2025
The State of Women’s Rights
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February 28, 2025
Human Rights Watch Oral Statement at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
HRW Oral Statement - ID with the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan - HRC58
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January 23, 2025
Afghanistan: ICC Prosecutor Seeks Gender Persecution Charges
Senior Taliban Leaders Named for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in Request for Warrants
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January 16, 2025
Afghanistan: Taliban Repression Deepens
New Laws, Regulations Compound Abuses Against Women, Girls
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January 16, 2025
Asia's 'people power' alive and kicking amid disturbing global currents
Human rights and rule of law are a foundation for growth and stability – not a diversion from it
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