Three years under Taliban rule have pushed Afghanistan into a relentless cycle of human rights violations and crimes under international law, particularly against women and girls. Despite global awareness, the international community’s response has been dishearteningly inadequate, leaving millions of Afghans struggling with unresolved frustration and despair.
Human Rights Violations Under Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan has witnessed a dramatic rollback of rights, especially for women and girls. Amnesty International, through extensive consultations with over 150 stakeholders, including Afghan human rights defenders, academics, and civil society representatives, has documented the severe impact of Taliban policies. Women, who once played pivotal roles in law, politics, journalism, education, and sports, now find themselves stripped of their agency and identity. “The women who have lost their agency, jobs, and economic status are told they deserve it,” said Razia, a human rights defender from Kunduz. The Taliban’s decrees, justified under the guise of Shariah and Afghan culture, have turned once vibrant members of society into what they describe as ‘no-one.’ The plight of Afghan women is a stark reminder of the Taliban’s unchanged nature. Nazifa, a teacher in Mazar-e-Sharif, reflected on broken promises: “We were told the Taliban have changed. We were told not to spoil the peace efforts. We were told the world will stand for us. Today, we are living our miseries alone.”
The Collapse of Justice
One of the most alarming developments under Taliban rule has been the complete collapse of Afghanistan’s legal and formal justice systems. The Taliban’s approach to justice is rooted in their strict interpretation of Shariah law, often administered by religious scholars with no formal legal education. Ahmad Ahmadi, a former lawyer now living in exile, described the dire situation: “The Taliban announced that there is no need for the participation of lawyers during trials. They do not believe in justice systems but rely heavily on their interpretation of Shariah law.” This regression has led to the resurgence of brutal practices such as public flogging, executions, and amputations, all carried out without fair trials or access to legal remedies. These acts, which violate international law, highlight the Taliban’s disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
A Shrinking Civic Space
Under the Taliban, Afghanistan’s civil society has been crushed. Human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists are treated as enemies of the state. Those who dare to protest face arbitrary detention, torture, and even enforced disappearances. Many have fled the country, only to face legal and financial challenges in countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. These exiles are often excluded from international discussions on Afghanistan’s future, as they are deemed either ‘too risky’ or ‘not legitimate.’ “The Afghan human rights community is being excluded not only by the Taliban but also by the international community,” said Tabasoom Noori, a women’s rights activist living in exile in the United States. This exclusion underscores the international community’s failure to genuinely engage with those most affected by the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
International Community’s Failure
The international community’s response to the Taliban’s human rights abuses has been lackluster at best. Despite countless meetings and statements, little has been done to hold the Taliban accountable. Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International’s Regional Campaigner for South Asia, expressed the frustration felt by many: “Three years on, the absolute absence of any concrete measures in addressing the human rights catastrophe in Afghanistan is a source of shame for the world.” The Taliban’s propaganda, which portrays Afghanistan as ‘safer’ and economically stable, has further diluted the urgency of the international response. However, the reality on the ground is one of fear and absolute control, with the Taliban now the enforcers of the violence they once inflicted from the shadows.
The Need for Coordinated Action
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, the need for coordinated international action has never been more urgent. The global community must support Afghan human rights defenders by providing safe platforms for debate and discussion. It is imperative to respect the diverse voices within the Afghan community and avoid unprincipled engagements with the Taliban that could further harm collective efforts.
“The time for coordinated action is now,” said Samira Hamidi. The world must not stand by as the Taliban continues its reign of terror over Afghanistan. A failure to act would not only be a betrayal of the Afghan people but a stain on the conscience of the international community.