Amu: UN human rights experts, including special rapporteur Richard Bennett, on Friday condemned the mass forced returns of Afghan nationals from Iran and Pakistan, calling the scale of deportations “staggering” and warning that Afghanistan remains unsafe for returnees, nearly four years after the Taliban seized power. “Returns must be halted immediately,” the experts said. “Afghanistan
Ariana: The United Nations Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, has expressed deep concern over the country’s low literacy rates, stating that Afghanistan ranks among the nations with the highest levels of illiteracy globally. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kabul Book Festival on Monday, Otunbayeva revealed that only 50% of Afghan men and
Afghanistan International: In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, 10 July, UNAMA warned that the policy, which requires prior approval of programme content and guest speakers by Taliban authorities, risks fostering fear and self-censorship among Afghan journalists and media outlets. Under the new rules, media outlets must seek prior approval from the
Khaama: Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has expressed serious concern over the arrest of hundreds of Afghan migrants in Iran, including members of ethnic and religious minority groups, on allegations of spying for Israel. Click here to read more (external link). Related An Analysis of the Islamic Republic
DW: Germany stopped deportations to Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban retook control of the country. However, amid a rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the government led by the conservative bloc of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has put deportations high on the agenda. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Representative Bill Huizenga, a Michigan Republican and chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, warned Thursday that Afghanistan has once again become a safe haven for terrorist groups, posing renewed threats to South and Central Asia and beyond, nearly four years after the U.S. military withdrawal. “The Taliban claims
Amu: Several women employed by United Nations agencies in Afghanistan say Taliban have escalated threats against their families in a bid to force them to quit their jobs, raising alarm over the safety of humanitarian workers and the future of international aid operations in the country. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: Nearly 4 million children in Afghanistan are currently out of school, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Sunday. A lack of proper school buildings, access to clean water, sanitation facilities and a shortage of qualified teachers particularly women are among the key factors keeping children out of the classroom, the agency
Amu: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented at least six killings of former Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) members in the first three months of 2025, highlighting ongoing violence and targeting of individuals linked to the former government. According to UNAMA’s quarterly human rights update, released this week, the
Amu: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has warned that the Taliban’s escalating restrictions on women’s rights and employment could cost Afghanistan’s economy up to $1 billion over the next two years. The agency said that women in Afghanistan are facing increasing limitations on their ability to work, access public spaces, and participate in social