“Surging Repression: Afghanistan’s Devastating Descent under Taliban Rule”

Afghanistan: Repression Worsens 2 Years into Taliban Rule

Humanitarian Crisis, Severe Abuses Against Women Threaten Millions

August 10, 2023 | New York

The situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly since the Taliban took control of the country on August 15, 2021. Human Rights Watch has recently released a report highlighting the extreme restrictions on the rights of women and girls and the rampant human rights abuses that have become commonplace under Taliban rule.

The past two years have seen the denial of key rights to women and girls, including education, work, movement, and assembly. The Taliban has also imposed severe censorship on the media, hindering access to information, and leading to increased detentions of journalists and other critics. These oppressive measures have resulted in Afghanistan facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with more than two-thirds of the population in urgent need of assistance.

Repressive Policies Impacting Food Insecurity

The report identifies the harsh restrictions on women and girls’ rights as one of the main causes of the ongoing food insecurity crisis in Afghanistan. These restrictions have led to the loss of jobs, particularly for women who have been dismissed from their positions and have faced bans on employment in humanitarian organizations.

Furthermore, women and girls are being denied access to secondary and higher education, severely limiting their prospects for economic empowerment. The Taliban imposed a ban on women working with local and international non-governmental organizations in December 2022, excluding only health, nutrition, and education sectors. This ban has further exacerbated the economic hardships faced by women, as they are unable to receive assistance if they are not involved in the monitoring and distribution processes.

The compounding effects of decades of war, extreme weather events, and widespread unemployment have disproportionately affected women and girls, who already struggle to access food, healthcare, and housing. The Taliban‘s oppressive policies reflect a complete disregard for women’s basic rights, harming not only activists and rights defenders but also ordinary women seeking a normal life.

Media Censorship and Human Rights Violations

Beyond restrictions on women’s rights, the Taliban has also tightened its control over local media and blocked international media broadcasting. These actions have severely hampered access to information within Afghanistan, leaving individuals unable to report critical information for fear of retribution. Arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, and summary executions of former security officers and members of armed resistance groups have become prevalent.

In addition, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), has carried out numerous attacks targeting schools and mosques, primarily affecting ethnic Hazara Shia communities. These attacks have further limited access to medical care and other forms of assistance for vulnerable communities.

The Plight of Afghan Refugees

The crisis in Afghanistan has also led to a significant number of Afghan refugees seeking safety in third countries such as Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Turkey. However, these refugees often find themselves in dire conditions, waiting for resettlement while their lives hang in the balance. Governments involved with Afghanistan must fulfill their commitments and provide Afghans at risk of persecution or harm with access to legal and safety pathways.

Editorial: Urgently Addressing the Afghan Crisis

The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan demands urgent attention and action from the international community. The Taliban‘s oppressive rule has caused immeasurable suffering for the Afghan population, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the repression.

Donor countries must find ways to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis while avoiding reinforcing the Taliban‘s repressive policies. Providing vital assistance to the Afghan population should be done in a way that upholds the fundamental rights of all Afghans, especially women and girls.

Countries engaged with Afghanistan have a responsibility to press the Taliban to reverse their course and restore the rights of all Afghans. This includes providing meaningful access to education, work, healthcare, and housing for women and girls and ensuring the safety of journalists and other critics.

Furthermore, the international community should expedite the resettlement of Afghan refugees in third countries and provide them with the necessary assistance and support they need to rebuild their lives in safer environments.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan cannot be separated from the political context and international relations. It is crucial that governments engaging with the Taliban prioritize human rights and work towards a sustainable and inclusive future for Afghanistan.

Advice: Holding the Taliban Accountable

As concerned individuals, we can play a role in holding the Taliban accountable for the ongoing human rights abuses in Afghanistan:

• Support organizations like Human Rights Watch and other NGOs working on the ground in Afghanistan. They provide crucial assistance and advocacy for the Afghan population.
• Put pressure on governments engaged with Afghanistan to prioritize human rights in their negotiations and engagements with the Taliban. Hold your elected officials accountable and ensure they are actively working towards promoting and protecting human rights in Afghanistan.
• Stay informed and raise awareness about the situation in Afghanistan. Share news articles and reports on social media platforms to shed light on the gravity of the crisis and the need for immediate action.
• Support Afghan refugees and advocate for their rights and safety. Engage with local and international organizations that provide support to refugees and offer assistance in their resettlement.

By taking collective action and speaking out against the repression in Afghanistan, we can contribute to the international pressure needed to address this crisis and ensure the restoration of human rights for all Afghans.

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