Human Rights in Afghanistan: A live update from Kabul

In 2024, the Taliban have announced new restrictions on women which many are calling the most severe in Afghanistan’s history. We spoke to local peacebuilders in Afghanistan to find out how we can help. No names are mentioned throughout for safety purposes.

How has the situation changed for individuals since the Taliban introduced these new, more restrictive laws?

Since the Taliban regained control and imposed stricter laws, life has become significantly more challenging, particularly for women and girls. The progress made in women’s rights over the past twenty years has been largely undone.

Women are now barred from secondary and higher education, stripping them of educational opportunities and limiting their future prospects, both economically and personally. The ban on women working, especially in the public and NGO sectors, has not only left many families without a source of income but also curtailed women’s independence and contributions to society.

Additionally, enforced dress codes and restrictions on women’s mobility have further isolated them from public life. For men, the deteriorating economy and shortage of jobs have intensified daily struggles, leading to greater stress and potential conflicts within households and communities.

Key changes include:

• Education and employment restrictions
• Limited freedom of movement
• Increased violence against women
• Psychological impacts

How has this affected your ability to work across the country?

The constraints on women’s participation in public life have directly impacted our female staff and programme participants, particularly those centered on women’s empowerment and preventing violence against women. Some of our senior female employees had to be relocated, while others face considerable risks in continuing their work.

Our access to funding has been restricted due to the international community’s reduced involvement in Afghanistan, limiting our ability to provide vital services.

Despite these challenges, we continue to support vulnerable populations, although the work has become more difficult and dangerous. In summary, the restrictive laws and political climate have created significant barriers for organisations like us, including:

• Security risks for female employees
• Reduced access to funding
• Limitations to our programmes
• Difficulty engaging with affected communities

Why is it so vital, now more than ever, to continue supporting local peacebuilders?

Supporting local peacebuilders is more crucial than ever, as they often serve as the last defence in preserving stability and advocating for rights within their communities.

With international organizations and governments having limited influence, local peacebuilders possess the trust and connections needed to work effectively on the ground. Their deep understanding of the local context and strong community ties allow them to respond quickly to conflicts or humanitarian crises.

Organizations like us are essential in ensuring that marginalized groups, especially women and youth, continue to have a voice. We remain committed to defending human rights and providing vital services, even under oppressive conditions. Supporting these efforts is key to preventing further deterioration and maintaining the hope for peace and justice.

Is there anything people outside of Afghanistan can do to support?

Absolutely. People outside of Afghanistan can make a significant impact by supporting organizations like us through several actions:

• Financial support: contributing to reputable local organizations helps us continue our critical work, especially as funding has become scarce.
• Raising awareness: sharing information about the situation in Afghanistan and the efforts of local organizations will help keep the crisis in the global spotlight. This can be done through social media, community events, or reaching out to the media.
• Government pressure: individuals can also push their government to take a firm stance on human rights in Afghanistan, including calling for humanitarian aid, opposing the recognition of oppressive regimes, and ensuring Afghan women and girls remain a priority in international diplomacy.

It’s important to remember that despite the dire circumstances in Afghanistan, organizations like us continue to work diligently to support our communities. Continued international support, both financial and moral, is vital to ensure our efforts can continue and make a meaningful impact on those most affected by the crisis.

We urge the international community not to abandon Afghanistan during this critical time. Together, we can help sustain the efforts of local peacebuilders who are on the front lines, promoting peace, defending human rights, and supporting the most vulnerable.

Take action to support brave peacebuilders in Afghanistan and around the world by donating today.