The Taliban regime in Afghanistan committed serious violations of human rights during 2024 according to a recent report by the State Department.
“There was significant deterioration in respect for women’s rights,” the report found, “due to edicts that further restricted access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls – effectively removing them from public spaces.”
On August 21, 2024, the publication of a so-called morality law codified many previous edicts and placed severe restrictions on the personal lives of all Afghans, especially women and girls.
The Taliban instituted such “laws” based on its interpretation of Islam, severely infringing on freedom of religion or belief and effectively outlawing other interpretations of Islam and Islamic practice, as well as the practice of other religions.
The Taliban did not purport to formally change laws enacted prior to August 2021; however, they promulgated “laws” and edicts that contradicted existing laws and were inconsistent with the country’s obligations and commitments under international law.
Significant human rights issues included credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings; disappearances; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; serious abuses in a conflict; unlawful recruitment or use by the Taliban of children in armed conflict; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence or threats of violence against journalists and censorship; restrictions on religious freedom; trafficking in persons, including forced labor; significant restrictions on workers’ freedom of association; and the significant presence of the worst forms of child labor.
There was widespread disregard for the rule of law and official impunity for those responsible for human rights abuses.
The Taliban and The Islamic State – Khorasan Province or ISIS-K, which is active in Afghanistan and South Asia, reportedly separately engaged in child recruitment. Armed groups threatened, robbed, kidnapped, and attacked foreigners, medical and nongovernmental organization workers, and other civilians. Members of the Taliban reportedly killed persons in retaliation for their association with the pre-August 2021 government.
The Taliban selectively restricted access to the internet and blocked websites. There was no expectation of privacy of communications from Taliban monitoring. According to reporting from the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan, or UNAMA, media, and other sources, Taliban instituted internet blackouts or severe slowdowns in locations of active dissent and following periods of political discord in the population.
There were numerous reports the Taliban subjected journalists to violence, harassment, and intimidation. Threats of detention and violence against journalists drove several media organizations to close and journalists to flee.
UNAMA reported punishments carried out by the Taliban included beatings, floggings, and executions.
The United States strongly condemns the Taliban regime for its violations of basic human rights and stands with the people of Afghanistan in their struggle for dignity, democracy and freedom.
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan committed serious violations of human rights during 2024 according to a recent report by the State Department.