Five Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: UN Warns of Severe Human Rights Crisis

Taliban leaders celebrated five years since their return to power in Afghanistan, while a senior UN official warned of a severe human rights crisis. 2.4 million girls have been excluded from the education system, and child malnutrition has reached critical levels in a third of provinces. Women and girls face harsh restrictions in public, and shortages of teachers, doctors, and nurses threaten the foundations of the state.

Taliban leaders and other senior officials gathered yesterday (Saturday) in the traditional council hall, the Loya Jirga, in Kabul to celebrate five years since their return to power, emphasizing the stability they brought to the country and the end of decades of conflict. In contrast, a senior UN official warned of a severe human rights crisis, especially for women and girls, with girls aged 12 and above unable to attend school. The Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Since then, bans have been imposed on girls' education beyond sixth grade, women attending universities, and women entering public spaces such as gyms and parks. At the assembly, foreign representatives and thousands of citizens heard speeches noting the 'liberation from the Americans.' Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi claimed that the government ended an era of conflict, and that at least 300 young people would have become martyrs daily without it. The government remains internationally isolated, with Russia being the only country to officially recognize it. The UN Special Representative, Richard Bennett, said the country is in a deep human rights crisis, describing the entire system as a 'crime against humanity.' UNESCO estimates that 2.4 million girls have been excluded from the education system, and the UN World Food Programme reported critical malnutrition in a third of provinces. UN Women noted a shortage of teachers, doctors, and nurses threatening the foundations of the state.