Afghanistan International: The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan says his office has verified cases of sexual violence allegedly committed by Taliban officials, primarily in detention centres. Victims interviewed included women and girls, as well as men and boys. The remarks come after the UN Security Council recently reported allegations of sexual violence
Amu: Afghanistan’s embassy in Kuwait has come under Taliban control following the departure of the country’s ambassador, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear whether Kuwait has formally accepted the change or recognized Taliban-appointed diplomats at the mission. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, has claimed that no armed opposition groups operate anywhere in the country and that the Taliban would not allow challenges to their rule. Speaking at a religious school gathering, Muttaqi rejected reports of internal divisions within the Taliban and argued that there was no justification for opposing
Afghanistan International: Pakistani business newspaper Business Recorder reported that the closure of border crossings with Afghanistan in recent months has dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan’s trade, costing the country nearly $850 million in exports and transit revenues. The continued closure of Pakistan’s border crossings with Afghanistan, combined with rising regional tensions and the Middle
Amu: More than 80 Afghan and international civil society organizations and human rights groups have called on the European Union not to host Taliban representatives in Brussels, warning that any official engagement could contribute to the normalization and implicit recognition of the Taliban rule. In an open letter addressed to EU institutions, member states and
Afghanistan International: After Akhtar Mohammad Mansour came to power, the Taliban intensified their attacks across Afghanistan under his leadership. At the same time, however, he also supported peace negotiations, which were then being hosted by China and Pakistan. His close involvement in those peace talks drew criticism from some Taliban leaders and analysts, who viewed
Khaama: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has reportedly warned the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) to stop carrying out attacks inside Pakistan or risk losing the Afghan Taliban’s support, according to a report by Pakistan’s Express Tribune. The Taliban administration in Kabul has not publicly commented on the report, and officials have yet to respond to the claims
8am: Kabul residents stress that thieves are not limiting themselves to stealing property. In some cases, they are also physically harming people inside their homes. Residents accuse the Taliban of failing to maintain security and say that feelings of insecurity have grown across several city neighborhoods. Some residents claim that certain Taliban members are directly
Amu: A senior Taliban cleric in Kabul has said that schooling for women and girls is “forbidden,” arguing that they should be limited to studying certain religious subjects, including matters related to marriage, child-rearing and household responsibilities. Click here to read more (external link). Related Afghan Everest climber launches campaign for girls’ education in Afghanistan
Daily Mail (UK): Despite the Taliban’s legal ban on the practice, a recent report suggests it remains widespread. The US State Department in its latest Trafficking in Persons report, found that child soldier recruitment, human trafficking and Bacha Bazi continue in Afghanistan. The report said the Taliban recruit children through coercion and deception, including false