Reports

Taliban forces deny detentions of female activists, but mobilise communications around hijab and traditional values

With most women's refuges shut down across the country, survivors of gender violence - and former employees - are left with nowhere to turn.

Since August, restrictions on women's education, work, travel, and dress have come into effect.

This report documents the circumstances of the death of female protestor Thu Thu Zin in Mandalay on 27 July 2021.

Despite Taliban claims of targeting ‘criminals’, reports suggest ordinary citizens were also targeted.

Afghan Witness spoke to three ex-government employees and military personnel about their experiences fleeing Afghanistan, and the struggles they face in Iran and Pakistan.

AW detected what appears to be a coordinated inauthentic effort on Twitter to target the meeting with multiple hashtags.

Last year, some Afghans fled to Ukraine in hope of safety. Now they face war again.

January has seen the detention of several women activists and high-profile figures, as well as an uptick in protests that have been staged in provinces across the country.

Afghan Witness analysis has found that online abuse and disinformation against women in Afghanistan peaked in August and September 2021, and January 2022.

Following the Taliban’s quasi-ban on demonstrations, Afghan protesters have found new ways to draw attention to their cause.

AW has verified several reports and recordings from recent months.