The Afghan community is facing a dire situation as the Taliban de facto authorities continue to commit human rights violations and crimes under international law with impunity. Amnesty International has conducted consultations with over 150 stakeholders, including Afghan human rights defenders, academics, activists, and journalists, to document the frustrations and fears of the Afghan people.
According to Samira Hamidi, Regional Campaigner for South Asia at Amnesty International, the international community has failed to hold the Taliban accountable for their actions and has not provided a strategic direction to prevent further harm. This lack of concrete measures to address the human rights catastrophe in Afghanistan is a source of shame for the world.
The consultations were conducted with individuals in 21 provinces across Afghanistan and with those in exile in ten countries, highlighting the widespread impact of the Taliban’s rule.
One of the most concerning aspects of the situation is the impact on women and girls‘ rights. Afghan women human rights defenders have reported losing agency in every aspect of their lives, with limited opportunities for employment and cultural contribution. The Taliban’s restrictive policies, justified by Shariah law and Afghan culture, have further marginalized women in society.
The collapse of the legal and formal justice system in Afghanistan has led to the implementation of Shariah law by the Taliban, with no participation of lawyers during trials. This has resulted in various forms of ill-treatment and torture that violate international law, including public floggings and executions.
The shrinking civic space in Afghanistan has led to the targeting of human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists by the Taliban. Many have been forced to flee the country, facing challenges in exile and fearing reprisals. The Afghan human rights community feels excluded both by the Taliban and the international community, further exacerbating their struggles.
Despite the Taliban’s rhetoric of a safer and more prosperous Afghanistan, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The international community must coordinate and engage in discussions to find effective long-term solutions to the crisis in Afghanistan. This includes supporting safe platforms for debate and respecting the voices of the Afghan community.
In conclusion, the Afghan community is facing immense challenges as the Taliban continue to violate human rights with impunity. The international community must take coordinated action to address the crisis and support the Afghan people in their fight for justice and accountability.