Afghan Witness Reports

Their research offers fresh perspectives on key issues and under-reported stories concerning land rights, media freedom, and women’s digital activism in Afghanistan.

On 28 July 2023, clashes erupted in Ghazni province when Taliban forces sought to disperse crowds, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Rejecting responsibility, the Taliban instead blamed the violence on "evil elements" in the crowd. AW investigates the events.

Faced with a moral dilemma, an Afghan journalist says he must choose between working for Taliban-approved media, or risking his life to report independently.

For months, widespread reports of Taliban abuses in the province have surfaced on social media, raising concern among human rights organisations. However, sources say many incidents go unreported.

For over a decade, doctors Sameera and Nadim treated Afghanistan’s drug addicts, despite threats from the local drug mafia who viewed them as disruptors. They allege that their daughter was kidnapped on her way to school one day. After selling everything they owned to pay the ransom, the family fled to Pakistan, but say the threats continue.

On World Press Freedom Day, Afghan Witness looks at how Afghanistan’s media has changed since last August.

Since August, restrictions on women's education, work, travel, and dress have come into effect.

Afghan Witness spoke to three ex-government employees and military personnel about their experiences fleeing Afghanistan, and the struggles they face in Iran and Pakistan.

Last year, some Afghans fled to Ukraine in hope of safety. Now they face war again.