Three years into the Taliban’s de facto rule, Afghanistan is drowning in a sea of human rights abuses, particularly targeting women and girls. Despite widespread global condemnation, the international community has failed to take meaningful action, leaving Afghan women to endure unimaginable suffering with little hope for relief.
Women’s Rights Under Siege
The return of the Taliban to power has systematically dismantled the rights and freedoms Afghan women fought for over two decades. Amnesty International’s consultation with over 150 stakeholders, including women protestors, human rights defenders, and civil society members, reveals a harrowing reality: women have been relegated to the fringes of society, stripped of their dignity, agency, and livelihoods. “We are living our miseries alone,” lamented Nazifa, a teacher from Mazar-e-Sharif. Women who once thrived in professions such as law, politics, and journalism now describe themselves as ‘no-one,’ forced into invisibility by the Taliban’s draconian policies.
The Taliban justifies these restrictions under the pretense of Shariah and Afghan culture, claiming to protect society from moral corruption. However, the reality is a calculated effort to erase women from public life, as echoed by Razia, a human rights defender from Kunduz: “The women who have lost their agency, jobs, and economic status are told they deserve it.”
The Erosion of Justice
One of the most concerning aspects of the Taliban’s rule is the complete collapse of Afghanistan’s formal justice system. The Taliban’s version of justice, based on their rigid interpretation of Shariah law, has replaced established legal processes. Ahmad Ahmadi, a former lawyer now in exile, described the situation as dire: “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.” The re-emergence of barbaric punishments such as public floggings, executions, and amputations underscores the Taliban’s brutal governance. These acts, which are carried out without fair trials or legal recourse, violate international human rights laws and highlight the regime’s disregard for justice and humanity.
Silencing Civil Society
The Taliban’s reign has seen the near-complete destruction of Afghanistan’s civil society. Human rights defenders, journalists, and activists are now considered enemies of the state. Protests are met with brutal repression, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances. Many activists have fled Afghanistan, only to face legal challenges and threats of deportation in countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. Despite their struggles, these exiles find themselves excluded from international discussions, deemed either ‘too risky’ or ‘not legitimate’ because they are no longer on the ground in Afghanistan. “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 further isolates those fighting for Afghanistan’s future and weakens global efforts to address the crisis.
The World’s Inaction
The international community’s response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan has been woefully inadequate. Despite numerous statements and meetings, there has been no significant action to hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes. “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,” said Samira Hamidi, Regional Campaigner for South Asia at Amnesty International. The Taliban’s propaganda, which falsely portrays Afghanistan as safer and more prosperous under their rule, has only served to dilute the urgency of the international response. However, the reality is starkly different. The Taliban, once insurgents waging a brutal campaign of violence, now wield absolute power, enforcing a regime of fear and control.
A Call for Global Action
As Afghanistan continues to spiral into deeper crisis, the need for coordinated international action becomes increasingly urgent. The global community must support Afghan human rights defenders by providing safe platforms for dialogue and advocacy. It is essential to respect the voices of Afghan women and civil society members, ensuring that their experiences and demands are central to any international strategy.
“The time for coordinated action is now,” urged Samira Hamidi. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering of Afghan women and the broader population. A failure to act decisively will not only doom Afghanistan to continued oppression but will also reflect the international community’s complicity in this ongoing tragedy.