HRW Urges Stronger Global Action Ahead of Taliban’s 5th Year in Power

DID Press: As Afghanistan approaches the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power on 15 August 2026, Human Rights Watch has called on the international community to take concrete and effective measures, warning that the country continues to face one of the world’s most severe human rights and humanitarian crises.

In a statement released by its Afghanistan division, Human Rights Watch said the Taliban have continued to deny girls access to secondary and higher education while imposing sweeping restrictions on women’s employment, freedom of movement, expression and participation in public life.

The organization also said journalists, civil society activists and government critics have faced arbitrary detention, torture and intimidation. It further alleged that hundreds of former Afghan security personnel have been subjected to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings since the Taliban returned to power.

Human Rights Watch warned that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply following significant reductions in international aid. According to the organization, nearly half of the country’s population now requires food and medical assistance, while more than 3.7 million children are suffering from acute malnutrition. It added that the healthcare system has weakened considerably and that the forced return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran has further intensified humanitarian pressures.

The statement also highlighted continuing border clashes with Pakistan and sporadic attacks by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which it said have resulted in civilian casualties.

Human Rights Watch noted that international accountability efforts have accelerated since 2025, citing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court and the establishment of an independent United Nations investigative mechanism on Afghanistan as significant developments in efforts to address alleged human rights violations.

The organization urged governments and international institutions to take practical steps to end restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls, support accountability initiatives, renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, fully fund humanitarian operations, and halt the forced return of Afghan refugees.