Issued by: Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement
September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, is a day to raise awareness about a silent crisis that claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide, and in Afghanistan, has reached catastrophic proportions over the past four years. Suicide is not only a personal tragedy but also a reflection of systemic injustice, oppression, and the failure of the Taliban government to uphold the human rights of its citizens—particularly women.
During the four years of Taliban rule (2021–2025), suicide rates—especially among Afghan women—have risen dramatically. According to official reports and human rights organizations:
- The number of suicides increased from at least 213 cases in 2022 to 360 cases in the following year.
- Approximately 80% of suicide attempts in Afghanistan are by women, reflecting the severe psychological pressures on women and girls subjected to the Taliban’s discriminatory and restrictive policies.
Direct Role of the Taliban Government in the Suicide Crisis
- Deprivation of Education and Work: By closing girls’ schools, universities, and banning women from working in government and NGOs, the Taliban has created widespread social isolation and despair.
- Increase in Domestic Violence and Forced Marriages: Strict social restrictions and lack of legal protection have intensified psychological stress and trauma for women.
- Lack of Mental Health Services: The Taliban government has neither expanded mental health services nor ensured access, leaving women highly vulnerable, especially in remote areas.
- Restrictive Social and Economic Policies: Economic mismanagement and sanctions have increased poverty and food insecurity, further exacerbating psychological distress among women and families.
According to the United Nations, around 70% of Afghan women reported increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation in 2023, a statistic that directly reflects the consequences of the Taliban’s repressive policies.
The Afghan Women’s Justice Movement declares:
- The Taliban government is directly responsible for the mental health crisis and the rise of suicides among women and must be held accountable.
- Mental health is a fundamental human right, and depriving women of education, employment, and basic human rights leads to increased violence, despair, and suicide.
- The international community and civil society organizations must exert practical pressure on the Taliban to ensure the provision of mental health, educational, and social support services for women and the protection of their human rights.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we call on citizens, educators, health professionals, and policymakers to stand against the Taliban’s discriminatory policies, speak openly about mental health, and ensure that no life is lost in silence or neglect.
Together, we can save lives. Awareness, empathy, and decisive action are our most powerful tools.
Issued by: Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement
