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The Taliban's justice ministry, led by Abdul Hakim Sharaee, closed three Shiite community institutions in western Kabul — Al-Zahra Clinic (healthcare), the Teby
The Taliban's justice ministry, led by Abdul Hakim Sharaee, closed three Shiite community institutions in western Kabul — Al-Zahra Clinic (healthcare), the Tebyan Center (cultural/religious), and the Resalat religious school (education) — without providing any stated reason. The closures are described as part of an expanding series targeting Shiite-linked institutions in the capital, indicating discriminatory enforcement on religious and ethnic grounds.
HR-MIN-01HR-ESC-01HR-WMN-02HR-EXPR-01 ICCPR Art. 26, 27; CERDTaliban authorities confirmed the detention of women and girls in both Kabul and Herat for alleged violations of mandatory dress (hijab) requirements. In Herat,
Taliban authorities confirmed the detention of women and girls in both Kabul and Herat for alleged violations of mandatory dress (hijab) requirements. In Herat, eight women were arrested in the Jebrael township and along the 64-Meter Road, held overnight, and released only after guarantees and payment of money. A Taliban Ministry for Virtue spokesperson stated that failing to observe hijab is a "serious crime." Women in both cities reported that fear of arrest has made daily life increasingly difficult. International officials at the 81st UN General Assembly described the situation as "gender apartheid."
HR-DET-01HR-SGBV-01HR-MIN-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9Taliban personnel from the Ministry of Justice forcibly shut down the Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra Cooperative Hospital in Dasht-e Barchi, Kabul, on September 27–28,
Taliban personnel from the Ministry of Justice forcibly shut down the Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra Cooperative Hospital in Dasht-e Barchi, Kabul, on September 27–28, 2026, removing all patients and staff and sealing the facility. The hospital provided low-cost healthcare to low-income residents, largely from the Hazara/Shia community. No reason was given. The closure is part of a broader two-week campaign by the Taliban targeting Shia community institutions in Kabul, including religious schools, a university, a TV station, and a sports complex.
HR-ESC-01HR-MIN-01HR-WMN-02HR-EXPR-01 ICESCR Art. 11, 12The Taliban's Justice Ministry closed the Khatam al-Anbia Shiite religious school and cultural complex in western Kabul, citing vague "anti-emirate activities,"
The Taliban's Justice Ministry closed the Khatam al-Anbia Shiite religious school and cultural complex in western Kabul, citing vague "anti-emirate activities," and detained at least four people including the head of a Shiite community commission, Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi. The ministry also dissolved the commission itself, required members to pledge to cease activities, and allegedly confiscated detainees' homes and membership cards. The closures are part of a broader pattern of Taliban actions targeting Shiite and Hazara institutions, including the closure of Khatam al-Nabieen school, Khatam al-Nabieen University, Rah-e-Farda TV, and a Shiite/Hazara elders' office.
HR-MIN-01HR-DET-01HR-WMN-02HR-DISP-01 ICCPR Art. 26, 27; CERDTaliban Education Ministry officials and intelligence agents ordered six named Kabul schools to halt a UNICEF-backed enrollment process for girls in grades 10–1
Taliban Education Ministry officials and intelligence agents ordered six named Kabul schools to halt a UNICEF-backed enrollment process for girls in grades 10–12, effectively barring secondary-school-age girls from registration. The affected schools include Om al-Banin, Naswan Amini, Sayed al-Shuhada, Mehrabuddin, Sardar Kabuli, and Asif Mayel High Schools.
HR-WMN-02HR-MIN-01HR-CHILD-02 CEDAW Art. 10; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Art. 28A Taliban fighter shot and killed two brothers, Abdul Basit and Abdul Rahim, in the Torkhail area of Deh Sabz district, Kabul, on the evening of September 18, 2
A Taliban fighter shot and killed two brothers, Abdul Basit and Abdul Rahim, in the Torkhail area of Deh Sabz district, Kabul, on the evening of September 18, 2026, following a land ownership dispute. No legal process was involved. The article also references a separate incident in Farah province four days earlier, in which a local Taliban commander killed a debtor.
HR-LIFE-01HR-LIFE-02 ICCPR Art. 6; UDHR Art. 3Taliban morality police detained three women on Herat's Lailami Road over alleged dress-code violations. One was released after community members provided a gua
Taliban morality police detained three women on Herat's Lailami Road over alleged dress-code violations. One was released after community members provided a guarantee; two remained in custody facing possible imprisonment. A related incident the same weekend saw 20 women and girls detained in Kabul's Taimani neighborhood before being released on guarantees.
HR-DET-01HR-SGBV-01HR-MIN-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9Taliban forces from the Justice Ministry surrounded and raided the Shiite Commission's office in Kabul on approximately 13 September 2026, detaining the commiss
Taliban forces from the Justice Ministry surrounded and raided the Shiite Commission's office in Kabul on approximately 13 September 2026, detaining the commission's head, Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, and four named members (Sayed Nader Shah Bahr, Mohammad Amir Bazel, Sayed Mohsen Hosseini, Sayed Abdullah Hashemi), as well as questioning visitors on-site. The detainees were taken to the Justice Ministry and held without any publicly stated charges or legal justification. Human rights activists raised concerns about the broader pattern of pressure on Afghanistan's Shiite and Hazara communities, including land seizures and denial of burial rights.
HR-DET-01HR-MIN-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9The Taliban's Higher Education Ministry revoked the operating license of Khatam al-Nabieen University, closing its main campus in Kabul and a second campus in G
The Taliban's Higher Education Ministry revoked the operating license of Khatam al-Nabieen University, closing its main campus in Kabul and a second campus in Ghazni province. Nearly 4,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and master's programs now face uncertainty about continuing their studies. The university's owner rejected the Taliban's stated justifications — failure to implement ministry policies, disrespect for Islamic values, misuse of standing, and conduct contrary to principles — as unsupported by evidence or documentation. A former prosecutor noted the legal grounds for the revocation were legally inadequate.
HR-WMN-02HR-MIN-01 CEDAW Art. 10; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Art. 28Taliban morality enforcers detained at least 20 women and girls in Kabul's Taimani area on September 12, 2026, holding them overnight without lawful basis. Seve
Taliban morality enforcers detained at least 20 women and girls in Kabul's Taimani area on September 12, 2026, holding them overnight without lawful basis. Several detainees reported being physically beaten during arrest, including a pregnant woman who was allegedly struck and dragged away. Women were released only after families provided guarantees. Taliban authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
HR-DET-01HR-SGBV-01HR-TORT-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9The Taliban's Justice Ministry closed three Shiite-linked institutions in western Kabul — Al-Zahra Clinic, the Tebyan Center, and the Resalat religious school —
The Taliban's Justice Ministry closed three Shiite-linked institutions in western Kabul — Al-Zahra Clinic, the Tebyan Center, and the Resalat religious school — without providing public justification, while patients were forcibly expelled from the clinic. These closures are part of a broader September 2026 campaign targeting Shiite/Hazara institutions, also including the closure of the Khatam al-Anbia religious school (Sept. 22), the revocation of Khatam al-Nabieen University's license affecting ~4,000 students, and the detention of the head and members of Afghanistan's High Shiite Commission for nine days. Political analysts and affected community members characterize the actions as religiously and ethnically motivated discrimination against Hazaras and Shiites.
HR-MIN-01HR-WMN-02HR-ESC-01HR-DET-01 ICCPR Art. 26, 27; CERDTaliban Education Ministry officials and intelligence agency personnel visited six named schools in Kabul and ordered administrators to stop registering girls a
Taliban Education Ministry officials and intelligence agency personnel visited six named schools in Kabul and ordered administrators to stop registering girls above sixth grade, halting a UNICEF-backed enrolment program for girls in grades 10–12. The program had already begun, equipment and materials had been distributed, and girls had collected documents and attempted to register before being turned away. One school official confirmed the process was "completely canceled" due to internal Taliban disagreements. This is the latest enforcement of the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary education, in place since September 2021.
HR-WMN-02HR-MIN-01HR-CHILD-02 CEDAW Art. 10; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Art. 28Taliban intelligence agents entered the MOBY Group compound in Kabul, inspected employees' mobile phones, ordered staff to leave, and sealed two offices of Lapi
Taliban intelligence agents entered the MOBY Group compound in Kabul, inspected employees' mobile phones, ordered staff to leave, and sealed two offices of Lapis — a company affiliated with the media group. Operations at Lapis were halted and it remains unclear whether equipment was confiscated. No official explanation was provided by the Taliban. This follows a similar raid on TOLO TV's offices approximately three months earlier, during which equipment was confiscated and two TOLOnews employees were detained.
HR-EXPR-01HR-DISP-01HR-DET-01 ICCPR Art. 19; UDHR Art. 19An explosion at the Sham-e-Hedayat private school in Dasht-e-Barchi, western Kabul — a predominantly Hazara area — wounded 52 students, including at least 42 ch
An explosion at the Sham-e-Hedayat private school in Dasht-e-Barchi, western Kabul — a predominantly Hazara area — wounded 52 students, including at least 42 children aged 9–14 verified by UNAMA. No group has claimed responsibility. Taliban authorities allege the explosion was caused by a hand grenade and say an investigation is underway, but have released no findings. Multiple countries and international organizations have condemned the attack and called for a transparent investigation.
HR-LIFE-02HR-CHILD-02 ICCPR Art. 6; IHLOn August 22, 2026, an explosive remnant of war (ERW/UXO) picked up by a student near Shama-e-Hedayat School in Kabul's 18th district detonated inside the schoo
On August 22, 2026, an explosive remnant of war (ERW/UXO) picked up by a student near Shama-e-Hedayat School in Kabul's 18th district detonated inside the school, injuring more than 50 students. The object — found in an adjacent field and mistaken for a stone pen — was passed between students before falling and exploding during a school break. Several students were hospitalized; the school's finance manager stated no limbs were lost. The incident underscores the ongoing danger of ERW in and around educational environments, placing children at acute risk.
HR-CHILD-02HR-LIFE-02 CRC Art. 19, 6A bombing near a school in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul's 18th police district injured approximately 42 children. The incident drew condemnation from the US
A bombing near a school in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul's 18th police district injured approximately 42 children. The incident drew condemnation from the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, UN agencies, and the Muslim World League. The US State Department confirmed awareness of the attack and said an investigation is underway. No perpetrator has been identified.
HR-LIFE-02HR-CHILD-02 ICCPR Art. 6; IHLOn August 17, 2026, unidentified assailants threw multiple grenades into the compound of the Sham-e-Hedayat private school in Dasht-e-Barchi, western Kabul — a
On August 17, 2026, unidentified assailants threw multiple grenades into the compound of the Sham-e-Hedayat private school in Dasht-e-Barchi, western Kabul — a predominantly Hazara area — wounding approximately 44 students aged 10–14, eight of them seriously. At least three required surgery. Two days later, Taliban intelligence detained four school staff members (principal, two teachers, and a security guard) for over 28 hours without publicly stated charges.
HR-LIFE-02HR-CHILD-02HR-DET-01HR-MIN-01 ICCPR Art. 6; IHLAfghanistan's Taliban-controlled Ministry of Higher Education suspended the licences of seven private universities for one year and permanently revoked the lice
Afghanistan's Taliban-controlled Ministry of Higher Education suspended the licences of seven private universities for one year and permanently revoked the licences of two others, citing administrative and academic violations. The affected institutions span Jowzjan, Balkh, Badakhshan, Faryab, Kabul, Kunduz, and Takhar provinces. The action further compounds a broader collapse of higher education driven by the Taliban's complete ban on women and girls attending universities, which has already reduced female enrolment to zero and placed 31% of private universities at financial risk of closure.
HR-WMN-02HR-MIN-01 CEDAW Art. 10; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Art. 28Multiple Kabul drivers report that Taliban members systematically extort money from them by seizing car keys and documents under the pretext of stopping in unau
Multiple Kabul drivers report that Taliban members systematically extort money from them by seizing car keys and documents under the pretext of stopping in unauthorized locations, returning them only upon payment. Drivers also describe arbitrary taxes, paint-uniformity fees, and daily/monthly cash collections, while the absence of designated passenger stops — deliberately maintained, drivers allege — is used as an ongoing pretext for extortion. The coercion, combined with reduced income and rising costs, has made earning a livelihood extremely difficult for drivers and their families.
HR-ESC-01HR-TORT-02HR-DISP-01 ICESCR Art. 11, 12Taliban police killed 11 people in Kabul in less than 10 days. The Taliban claimed all victims were armed robbers, but relatives dispute this — one victim, Ali,
Taliban police killed 11 people in Kabul in less than 10 days. The Taliban claimed all victims were armed robbers, but relatives dispute this — one victim, Ali, was a young street vendor (~20-21 years old) from the Dasht-e-Barchi area of western Kabul who supported his family. The UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan called for prompt and impartial investigations into the killings.
HR-LIFE-01HR-LIFE-02 ICCPR Art. 6; UDHR Art. 3Six male staff members of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF), an Afghan NGO, were detained by Taliban in Kabul on July 18, 2026, after bei
Six male staff members of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF), an Afghan NGO, were detained by Taliban in Kabul on July 18, 2026, after being instructed to return to their office to collect previously confiscated laptops and phones. Taliban has since refused to disclose their whereabouts, condition, or any charges against them for nearly a month, constituting enforced disappearance under international law. A prior Taliban raid on the office had occurred on June 21, 2026. Human Rights Watch called for their immediate release.
HR-DET-02HR-DET-01HR-EXPR-01 ICPPED; ICCPR Art. 9Taliban forces raided the office of the Women's and Children's Rights Research Organization in Kabul, arbitrarily detaining six staff members and confiscating e
Taliban forces raided the office of the Women's and Children's Rights Research Organization in Kabul, arbitrarily detaining six staff members and confiscating equipment. As of August 7, 2026 — 21 days after the detention — no charges had been brought against any of the detainees. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett publicly called for their immediate release.
HR-DET-01HR-EXPR-01HR-DISP-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9Six employees of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation in Kabul — a women's and children's rights organization led by Zarqa Yaftali — were detained b
Six employees of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation in Kabul — a women's and children's rights organization led by Zarqa Yaftali — were detained by Taliban intelligence authorities for 68 days without access to legal counsel or a stated legal basis. Five (Sultan Ali Rahimi, Hamed Sediqi, Sayem Hazim, Qadir Hamidi, and Bismillah) were released on 22 September 2026. A sixth employee, Abdul Matin Hakimi, remains in Taliban custody. The detainees were held solely because of their research, educational work, and advocacy for women's rights and girls' education.
HR-DET-01HR-EXPR-01 ICCPR Art. 9; UDHR Art. 9Taliban authorities raided the Kabul office of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF) on June 21, 2026, confiscating devices and sealing the p
Taliban authorities raided the Kabul office of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF) on June 21, 2026, confiscating devices and sealing the premises. On July 18, 2026, six male staff members were summoned back to the office under the pretext of collecting their confiscated devices and were instead taken into custody. Families have received no information on their whereabouts, condition, or charges — constituting enforced disappearance under international law. Human Rights Watch called for their immediate release.
HR-DET-02HR-DET-01HR-EXPR-01 ICPPED; ICCPR Art. 9The Taliban's Ministry of Justice, on August 3, 2026, ordered immediate enforcement of a Special Court ruling declaring 1,507.49 jeribs of land in Kabul's Omid-
The Taliban's Ministry of Justice, on August 3, 2026, ordered immediate enforcement of a Special Court ruling declaring 1,507.49 jeribs of land in Kabul's Omid-e-Sabz Township to be state property. The ruling, originally issued on April 20, invalidates all private sales and transactions, potentially displacing thousands of families — many from the Hazara community — who purchased homes and plots through documented private transactions. Residents have been directed to seek compensation from original sellers rather than the state, and the Commission for the Prevention of Land Grabbing has been instructed to implement the decision without delay. Critics have raised concerns about transparency, lack of impartial judicial review, and possible ethnic targeting.
HR-DISP-01HR-MIN-01 ICCPR Art. 12; ICESCR Art. 11Pakistani air and drone strikes inside Afghanistan on at least 15 occasions between October 2025 and September 2026 killed at least 364 civilians and wounded 34
Pakistani air and drone strikes inside Afghanistan on at least 15 occasions between October 2025 and September 2026 killed at least 364 civilians and wounded 346 others across Kabul and the provinces of Kandahar, Kunar, Khost, Nangarhar, Paktia, and Paktika. Women and children made up 55% of casualties in some strike clusters. UNAMA confirmed individual incidents and noted more than 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries from cross-border violence in 2026 alone. Strikes also damaged homes, a madrassa, and a mosque. Pakistan claimed it targeted militant hideouts; UNAMA called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
HR-LIFE-02HR-DISP-01 ICCPR Art. 6; IHLPakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan across multiple provinces (Kunar, Helmand, Kandahar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kabul) from October 2025 through
Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan across multiple provinces (Kunar, Helmand, Kandahar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Nangarhar, Kabul) from October 2025 through October 2026 caused over 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries, confirmed by UNAMA. The deadliest single incident was the 16 March 2026 strike on the Omid Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre in Kabul, killing at least 269 civilians (mostly patients) and injuring 122. Strikes on 1 October 2026 killed at least 10 civilians, mostly children, in Kunar and Helmand. Three civilian homes were also struck. Amnesty International found no military use of the rehabilitation centre.
HR-LIFE-02HR-DISP-01HR-ESC-01 ICCPR Art. 6; IHLOn August 10, 2022, Mahmood Shah Habibi, a US citizen and former head of Afghanistan's civil aviation authority, was taken from his vehicle in Kabul by Taliban
On August 10, 2022, Mahmood Shah Habibi, a US citizen and former head of Afghanistan's civil aviation authority, was taken from his vehicle in Kabul by Taliban intelligence (General Directorate of Intelligence). His driver and 29 other employees of Asia Consultancy Group were also detained. The Taliban have consistently denied holding Habibi and have provided no information about his condition or whereabouts. On the fourth anniversary of his disappearance (August 10, 2026), the FBI, US officials, and his family renewed calls for his return. At least one other employee from the telecommunications company is also reportedly still in Taliban custody. The case remains unresolved.
HR-DET-02HR-DET-01HR-TORT-02 ICPPED; ICCPR Art. 9A Guardian feature compiling first-person testimonies from 12 Afghan women across Herat, Balkh, Kabul, Jawzjan, Faryab, Nangarhar, Daykundi, Samangan and northe
A Guardian feature compiling first-person testimonies from 12 Afghan women across Herat, Balkh, Kabul, Jawzjan, Faryab, Nangarhar, Daykundi, Samangan and northern provinces describes life under Taliban rule. The dominant harm is the systematic denial of education to girls and women — university closures, restrictions on schooling beyond 6th grade, and enforced dress codes with punitive expulsions. Additional specific violations include: two female former soldiers arrested in Herat whose fate remains unknown (enforced disappearance); a 12-year-old's classmates expelled from school for dress code non-compliance; a university student in Nangarhar left without recourse after the Taliban closed universities to women; an undercover journalist operating in constant fear of Taliban surveillance and arrest; and a dental assistant harassed by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue. Women are also subject to severe movement restrictions, mahram requirements, and pervasive economic deprivation.
HR-WMN-02HR-DET-02HR-MIN-01HR-EXPR-01HR-SGBV-01HR-CHILD-02 CEDAW Art. 10; ICESCR Art. 13; CRC Art. 28The record is what reached us and passed review. Thin coverage in a province reflects reporting conditions and access as much as the underlying situation, and absence of incidents is not evidence of absence of violations. No figure here is a national total.