Overview

The Taliban intensified their systematic, widespread attacks on women’s and girls’ rights. The Taliban discriminated against ethno-religious groups, including forcing followers of Ismaili (Shia) to convert to Sunni Islam. The Taliban stifled independent media and all criticism of its policies, including through arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists and former government employees. Detainees and critics were subjected to extrajudicial execution and torture and other ill-treatment; protests were systematically suppressed. Access to a fair trial remained essentially impossible. The ICC issued arrest warrants for the Taliban leader and the Chief Justice. Afghanistan faced economic instability and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Lack of funding jeopardized essential healthcare services provided by WHO. Discrimination restricted access to humanitarian assistance for marginalized ethnic and religious groups. Forced evictions disproportionately impacted women and girls, particularly Hazaras.