Afghanistan, under Taliban rule today, is experiencing one of the darkest chapters in its history — a period marked by rampant human rights violations, widespread violence, extrajudicial executions, and the systematic erasure of women from all social and political arenas. This escalating crisis not only threatens the lives of millions but also severely damages the identity and very existence of Afghan society.
In this context, the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement convened a special virtual session to expose Taliban atrocities and examine the breadth of human rights abuses taking place. Featuring prominent figures from the fields of human rights, politics, and culture, the session aimed to unveil the stark realities and issue a serious warning about the dire conditions facing the Afghan people.
Violation of the Right to Life and the Culture of Violence
Dr. Sima Samar, former Chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and a researcher at Tufts University, stated:
“The right to life is a God-given, fundamental human right. No government, authority, or individual has the right to take another human being’s life. Killing people does not reduce crime; any security built on executions is false and unsustainable.”
She emphasized: “Executions in Afghanistan have never led to real security. True security means children having free access to education and women living in safe, protected environments. Killing people cannot establish such security.”
Dr. Samar added firmly: “In my view, executions are neither a solution nor a means to justice; rather, they are acts of revenge.”
Normalization of Violence: A Red Flag for Society
Dr. Samar warned: “People are gathering in stadiums to witness executions and floggings. Such gatherings are not acts of civil resistance but signs of society’s acceptance of violence as a norm — a cultural tragedy.”
She noted that years of war have imposed this brutal culture on Afghan society.
Failures of the Judicial System Before and After the Taliban
Dr. Samar pointed out:
“Afghan prisons were never centers for rehabilitation. Healthy individuals entered prisons and often emerged as addicts or criminals. Widespread corruption in the justice system, judiciary, and police destroyed the foundations of justice.”
She cited the escape of dangerous criminals from Pul-e-Charkhi prison as an example.
Recommendations to Activists and the Public
Dr. Samar concluded:”Afghans must move beyond ethnic divisions and use online spaces to promote human rights education. We must restore the sanctity of the right to life in our society.”
Reporting Taliban’s Extrajudicial Crimes
Dr. Aziz Ahmad Barez, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies on Afghanistan and Central Asia, presented:
“According to UN reports, at least 237 cases of extrajudicial executions were recorded between August 2021 and June 2022.”
He continued: “In Panjshir, Taliban forces conducted mass shootings of prisoners of war — clear examples of war crimes.”
Systematic Suppression of Women
Dr. Barez added:”The Taliban have severely violated women’s rights by banning girls’ education beyond age 12, increasing forced marriages, perpetrating systemic violence against women, and dismantling institutions that protected victims of violence.”
He warned:”Although the Taliban lack both legal and international legitimacy, in the absence of international pressure, they are operating with near-complete impunity.”
Urgent Need for Global Action
Dr. Barez proposed:
1. Establish an international fact-finding mission to document Taliban crimes.
2. Activate the International Criminal Court to prosecute war crimes.
3. Impose targeted sanctions against Taliban leaders.
4. Provide practical support to free media and civil society organizations.
5. Condition any political engagement with the Taliban on human rights compliance.
The Importance of Documentation and Diplomatic Pressure
Human rights activist Sima Noori said:
“The Taliban seek to rule through fear. Their growing influence stems not from legitimacy but from the inherent fear they instill in the population.”
Ms. Noori stressed:
“The media are filled with the cries of victims — former military personnel targeted for revenge, girls denied education and employment, women subjected to abuse and torture in Taliban prisons, and ethnic and religious minorities who suffer equally.”
She lamented: “Today, Afghanistan has no freedom of expression. Only a handful of YouTubers linked to the Taliban continue to promote their narratives. Meanwhile, the Taliban place draconian restrictions on women yet hypocritically welcome a porn star with open arms.”
Ms. Noori emphasized: “Civic resistance and storytelling, especially by women, have become vital. These narratives must continue to resist Taliban oppression.”
She called: “If our voices can reach and influence global public opinion, we must ensure that our demands are clear, actionable, and persistent.”
She urged: “We must exert real, organized pressure to dismantle any emerging legitimacy the Taliban are gaining. The Taliban do not represent the Afghan people — they are their oppressors.”
Political and Social Crisis Under Taliban Rule
Shinkai Karokhail, former Afghan Ambassador to Canada, stressed:
“Legitimacy is essential for any government to conduct fair trials. Without valuing its citizens, a government’s judicial system loses its credibility and acceptance.”
She outlined: “First, a penal code is fundamental. Second, impartial judges must deliver lawful and fair verdicts. Third, independent courts must thoroughly examine cases to prevent injustice.”
She stressed:
“Every accused must have the right to legal counsel. Without this, judges lack a solid basis for verdicts. A trial without skilled judges and lawyers has no credibility.”
Criticizing Taliban trials, she said:
“Their proceedings resemble summary courts, where the accused is given no real opportunity for defense.”
She added: “Personally, I oppose executions. They do not create security. Taliban policies in this regard are unacceptable and only spread fear and terror.”
The Urgent Need for Global Solidarity to Support Women
Shukria Barakzai, former Member of Parliament, opened:
“Are executions, stonings, and the suffering of Afghans new phenomena? No. We have lived with them but never remained silent.”
She emphasized: “We face an ideological problem that has fueled religious extremism over at least the past 45 years.”
She recalled:”Afghanistan was once recognized globally without needing the label ‘Islamic,’ just like Egypt — a nation of diversity.”
Barakzai warned:
“When religion becomes a tool for power and suppression, we must not be surprised by what unfolds under its name.”
She lamented: “Afghanistan is being silently erased from global consciousness.”
A Call for Diversity and Unity
Barakzai emphasized: “When we raise our voices for justice, we must recognize that diversity of opinions enriches society. We must urgently unite, accept diversity, and work together to save Afghanistan.”
