Pakistan: Forced Returns Expose Afghans to Persecution, Destitution
End Deportations, Coercive Police Practices While Taliban Abuses Persist

Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed policies severely restricting rights—particularly those of women and girls. They have banned women from many forms of employment and prohibited girls and women from attending secondary school and university. The Taliban have also carried out broad censorship and have detained and tortured journalists and activists. Groups affiliated with the Islamic State have carried out bombings targeting ethnic Hazaras-Shias and others, killing and injuring hundreds.
The Afghan economy collapsed after August 2021 when the US, World Bank, and other donors cut off foreign development assistance. Over 90 percent of the Afghan population faces food insecurity along with a rise in malnutrition-related disease.
July 14, 2025
CommentaryJuly 10, 2025
DispatchesJune 12, 2025
DispatchesText on screen
People are disappearing in Afghanistan
(Direct quote from research)
“Taliban night raids are terrifying. The families can’t even ask where the person has been taken.”
Text on screen
They are being targeted by the Taliban in revenge attacks, because they were former members of the police or security forces.
(Direct quote from research)
“The Taliban took my brother… We looked everywhere. Two days later we found his body by the river. “
Text on screen
The Taliban promised an amnesty for former security force members, but these killings and forced disappearances go on.
(Direct quote from research)
“Ziaul was an NDS [intelligence agency] commander. He was arrested when he tried to leave the province. The Taliban told him ‘There is no forgiveness for people like you.’ Later, his family found his body.”
Text on screen
The international community should monitor and document these abuses and urge Taliban leaders to stop them.
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As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, an annual global campaign ending on December 10, Human Rights Day, we honor Afghan women artists in exile who protest through their work, who voice their beliefs through the art they create with patience, creativity, and passion.
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