Five years after Taliban return, Afghanistan faces severe human rights crisis

As the Taliban mark the fifth anniversary of their return to power on August 15, 2026, Afghanistan remains the only country worldwide that bans girls from secondary education and women from universities. Data released by U.N. Women indicates that half of all Afghan women now leave their homes only once or twice a month due to severe movement restrictions. Simultaneously, the Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization (AHRDO) reported that between February 2022 and April 2026, at least 2,745 people were publicly flogged in 634 documented incidents. Of these victims, 422 were women, with two-thirds of the punishments linked to alleged moral offenses or sexual crimes.

Five years after the fall of Kabul and the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which concluded a 20-year conflict, the country faces a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite Taliban promises in 2021 regarding women's rights, press freedom, and an inclusive government, these pledges have not been met. Approximately 45% of the population requires humanitarian aid, yet international funding has dropped significantly. The situation is characterized by a systemic removal of rights for half the population, leaving millions in hunger and isolation from global attention.