Afghan Witness Archives

Foreign relations Human Rights International Law Taliban

Mar 14

Taliban withdraw from the ICC’s Rome Statute

Analysts say the ICC still holds jurisdiction over past crimes.

Information environment Human Rights Education ICC Women's rights Education ban Taliban

Feb 3

ICC calls for Taliban arrests over gender-based crimes ignite debate

Opposition hails accountability while Taliban seeks to rally support

Human Rights Pakistan Forced Displacement Detention Camps Foreign relations Deportations Taliban

Jan 16

Pakistan detains hundreds of Afghans for deportation

Refugees, including women and children, caught in escalating Afghan-Pakistani disputes.

Human Rights Media Violence Taliban

Oct 9

Boy found dead after accusing Taliban members of sexual abuse

Boy allegedly killed by Taliban after accusing multiple commanders of rape in Farah province interrogation video

Information environment Human Rights Policies and Restrictions Taliban

Oct 9

ICJ gender discrimination case: online responses

International Court of Justice case against Taliban triggers social media campaigns from both supporters and critics

Human Rights Investigations Features Media Information environment Women's rights Taliban

Sep 23

Noor Fellowship: meet the fellows and discover their work

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

Religious Freedom Policies and Restrictions Human Rights Media Taliban

Sep 11

Taliban’s new vice and virtue law targets women, minorities, and media

The Taliban's new vice and virtue law, ratified in July 2024, mandates severe restrictions on women's dress, public behaviour, and transportation, while also imposing limitations on the media and minorities.

Security Violence Human Rights Women's rights Taliban

Aug 31

Claimed Taliban killing of civilians

Reports of Taliban violence reveal alleged involvement in killings, torture, and beatings of civilians, including minorities and former security personnel, between August 13 and 19, 2024.

Religion Human Rights Investigations Features Religious Freedom Violence Security Shia Taliban

Aug 7

Investigation: civilian casualties at the 2023 Ashura commemorations in Ghazni province

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.

Human Rights Violence Taliban

Jul 3

Torture of young man by Taliban commander

The harrowing video of a young Afghan man being tortured by a Taliban commander sparked global outrage.