8am: The Taliban’s claims of economic self-sufficiency and reduced narcotics production are superficial, short-term achievements designed to preserve the power of the ruling elite. In contrast, the people of Afghanistan face polluted villages, generations of illness, widespread poverty, suppression of women, and destruction of prospects for sustainable development. Click here to read more (external link).
8am: The inauguration of a major hospital in Kabul could have been a positive development in itself, especially under a regime whose name is synonymous with violence, bloodshed, and a detachment from public service. Yet, by omitting Persian from the hospital’s signage, the Taliban turned what should have been a celebrated moment into a source
Afghanistan International: Afghanistan International has previously published investigations and video confessions showing Taliban members’ involvement in targeted extrajudicial killings in several provinces. Human rights organisations have reported bodies found in eastern regions, disappearances of young men in northern Kabul, killings of Ismailis for religious reasons and systematic targeting of former Afghan security personnel. Click here
Afghanistan International: The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice said Wednesday that all legislative documents issued by the group are based on Islamic law and warned that objections to those laws would be considered a crime. Afghan and international civil society activists have criticised the penal code, saying it legitimises practices such as slavery, domestic violence and
8am: In several areas of Herat, residents speak of widespread extortion by local strongmen who exploit humanitarian aid and charity programs. According to residents, these strongmen demand a share from each family in return for introducing needy and eligible households to aid organizations. Those who refuse to pay are excluded from beneficiary lists and denied
Khaama: UNICEF said on Tuesday, January 27, that Afghanistan’s education system is at a critical point, with widespread illiteracy undermining basic learning for children. The agency stated, “More than 90 percent of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text, reflecting a crisis of schooling without learning.” Since the Taliban regained power, Afghanistan’s education system has faced
Amu: The children, most of whom work on the streets to support their families, said they were detained during street round-ups in Kabul and other areas and taken to Taliban-run prisons or so-called Dar-ul-Hifaz facilities, centres authorities say are meant to provide protection and assistance. “They arrested us and took us to Badam Bagh prison,”
8am: The human rights organization Rawadari recently issued a statement on the implications of the “Criminal Code of Taliban Courts” and warned that this code is deeply concerning and in clear violation of international human rights standards and the fundamental principles of fair trial. The statement notes that, among other things, the Taliban have legitimized
8am: Local sources say the Taliban abducted a young man from Panjshir province in Kabul and killed him after subjecting him to torture. Sources told Hasht-e Subh Daily on Monday, January 19, that the 25-year-old, identified as Sayed Jalal, was abducted on Saturday from Lycee Maryam by the Taliban’s intelligence service. The sources said Sayed
Amu: Taliban have stopped paying salaries to female government employees who were previously told to stay at home while remaining formally employed, effectively removing them from the state payroll, sources said on Saturday. Several affected women said the decision amounted to dismissal and would have immediate consequences for their families. Click here to read more