In its latest human rights report published Thursday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that the Taliban regime is relentlessly pursuing policies. These policies exclude women and girls from participating equally in Afghan society. The report, which covers the first quarter of 2025, highlights systemic gender-based violations. These have been occurring since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
Afghan women continue to face severe limitations on their freedom of movement, access to education, and ability to work. The Taliban has imposed restrictions that prevent women from joining the workforce. They deny women the right to access services without a male relative. They also maintain a blanket ban on female education.
SYSTEMATIC EXCLUSION AND REPRESSIVE MEASURES
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, women and girls have been largely erased from public life, as detailed by UNAMA. Authorities have also imposed harsh punishments, including public floggings, particularly against women for offenses like adultery or practicing homosexuality.
The Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights is particularly chilling. Beauty salons run by women have been shut down in several provinces. Similarly, authorities have targeted women’s radio stations, restricting their ability to broadcast.
Reports from Kandahar reveal that Taliban enforcers are instructing shopkeepers to report any unaccompanied women. This enforces a strict guardianship requirement (mahram) for women entering public spaces. The healthcare sector has also been affected. Women are denied medical care if they are not accompanied by a male relative.
REPRESSIVE RELIGIOUS MEASURES AND FORCED CONVERSIONS
The report also details religious persecution under the Taliban’s rule. In Badakhshan province, at least 50 Ismaili men were reportedly taken from their homes in early 2025. They were forced to convert to Sunni Islam under the threat of violence. This incident underscores the regime’s ongoing clampdown on religious freedom.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE AND LEGAL ACTION
The Taliban claims that the treatment of women is according to Sharia law. Nevertheless, the United Nations and various human rights organizations strongly disagree. These organizations cite violations of international human rights standards.
In response to the escalating abuses, the International Criminal Court (ICC) took significant legal action in January 2025. It issued arrest warrants for Taliban leaders, including Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani. They were charged with crimes against humanity, specifically for gender-based persecution.
The Taliban has dismissed the ICC’s ruling. They cite national sovereignty. They claim that their actions align with Afghan culture and Islamic traditions.
UNAMA’S CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL ACTION
UNAMA’s report stresses an urgent need for the international community. Action is required to address the systematic repression of women in Afghanistan. The organization has called for global efforts to restore the rights of Afghan women and girls, urging countries and international bodies to support the restoration of gender equality in the country.
The Taliban’s ongoing denial of fundamental freedoms to women remains a central issue in Afghanistan’s struggle for stability, with international efforts continuing to challenge these repressive policies.