The Week of June 10 - June 16
The Week of June 10 - June 16
To all of our subscribers who celebrate: On this sacred day of sacrifice, may your heart be filled with the spirit of compassion and your actions be guided by love. Happy Eid al-Adha!
Security and Conflict
Clash on Tajikistan Border – On Monday, local sources in Badakhshan reported that two residents of Yawan district were killed by Tajik border forces' gunfire on Sunday, June 9. The incident occurred in the "Sholir" village border area when a group of 15 villagers attempted to cross the Amu River into Tajikistan for gold prospecting. Ignoring a stop warning, the armed group fled, prompting the Tajik forces to fire. The deceased include a teenager and an adult. Local Taliban officials have not commented.
TTP Members allegedly shot in Khost – Two senior TTP members, Lalai Mansour and Abdullah, were reportedly shot dead by gunmen in the Sheikh Amir area of Khost province, Afghanistan. Sources from Khost confirmed their deaths.
Taliban Police Officer Murders Fitness Trainer – In Kabul, Taliban policeman Noor Agha killed fitness trainer Shams Agha for financial gain. Noor Agha, who knew the victim, asked for a lift, then shot him. Suspicious locals alerted authorities during his attempt to dispose of the body, leading to his arrest and confession.
Former Police Officer Killed in Kunduz – Local sources in Kunduz report that Taliban fighters shot and killed Mohammad Yusuf, a former local police officer and current service employee in the Taliban's agriculture department in Chahardara district, around 10:00 PM on Thursday, June 13. Taliban authorities have not commented.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Statement on US Citizen Detained by the Taliban – A UN expert has urged the Taliban to provide immediate medical care to detained American aid worker Ryan Corbett, whose health is deteriorating. The US House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution on June 11, calling for his immediate release. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the Biden administration's efforts and emphasized Corbett's humanitarian contributions in Afghanistan. Corbett, detained by Taliban intelligence in August 2022, faces severe conditions and health issues. His wife expressed concern over his declining hope. The Taliban accuse him of "anti-state activities," which the US State Department rejects as baseless.
Impact of Girls Education Ban – On Thursday, marking 1,000 days since girls were banned from education, UNICEF condemned the Taliban's ban, highlighting its exacerbation of Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis and hindrance to economic development. The ban affects 1.5 million girls, resulting in 3 billion lost learning hours. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, emphasized that children's rights, particularly girls, must not be sacrificed for politics. The ban restricts opportunities and harms mental health, while education is vital for protection against early marriage and health issues. UNICEF urges the Taliban to lift the ban and calls for international support for Afghan girls.
Taliban Release Audio Clip Linking Girls Education to Immorality – The Taliban's Higher Education Ministry spokesman shared an old audio clip of Mawlana Abdul Ali Dewbandi issuing a fatwa against women's education, stating that literate women are more prone to immorality. This indicates the Taliban's continued stance against resuming women's education in Afghanistan.
Women’s Protest against Doha – Protesting women from the "Independent Coalition of Afghan Women's Protest Movement" in Islamabad opposed the Doha meeting and the Taliban's participation. They declared any "meeting, understanding, and interaction" with the Taliban "sanctioned and rejected," urging the world to support Afghan people, not a "terrorist and criminal group," and condemning the Taliban's violations of international principles.
Female Government Employees React to Wage Change – Female employees in Afghan government institutions report that the Taliban's decision to reduce their salaries to five thousand Afghanis (approximately $70) will significantly worsen their living conditions. This cut affects approximately 134,000 female employees, leading to substantial income reductions for these families, highlighting the economic challenges faced by women under the current regime.
Baran Health Institute Shut Down – The Taliban closed the Baran Health Institute in Bamiyan and detained its director, Navid Mozaffari, after he criticized them during a speech, claiming they were controlled by Russia and the United States. The graduation ceremony, which included female students, likely contributed to the closure. This action is part of the Taliban's ongoing restrictions on women’s education. The institute had recently moved from Herat to Bamiyan and is associated with Mohammad Hassan Ghiyasi, the Taliban’s deputy minister of public health.
Floggings – The Taliban publicly flogged three people in Sar-e Pul and Paktia provinces, administering 21, 31, and 36 lashes respectively, along with prison sentences ranging from six months to one year, per the Taliban-run Supreme Court. Nearly 150 people have been flogged in Afghanistan in the past 44 days.
Taliban Fail to Assist Farmers after Poppy Destruction in Badakhshan – Farmers in Badakhshan stated on June 11 that the Taliban promised cash aid and alternative livelihoods after destroying their poppy fields. Despite a month passing, no aid has been provided. Farmers, severely affected by the destruction, urge the Taliban to fulfill their promises. The Taliban's poppy eradication campaign continues, having destroyed 30,000 jeribs so far. The majority of poppy cultivation in Badakhshan occurs in Argo, Kishm, and Darayem districts.
Ministry of Education Stops Hiring Female Teachers in Ghazni – The Taliban's Ministry of Education has postponed hiring female teachers in girls' schools in Ghazni province until further notice. This directive, which may extend to other provinces, halts competitive exams for female candidates while proceeding with male candidates. The Taliban's Ministry has not commented on this new restriction. Over the past three years, the Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on women's education and employment, recently setting female employee salaries at five thousand Afghanis.
Women Harrassed by Vice and Virtue Police in Kunduz – Women and girls in Kunduz province are experiencing severe distress due to persistent harassment by Taliban morality police. Patrolling daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., these officers rigorously question and scrutinize women's behavior and dress in markets and public spaces. This relentless oversight has severely impacted their mental well-being, leading to widespread anxiety and fear. The intrusive actions of the morality police, including inspecting veils and masks, have forced many women to avoid shopping or public outings, significantly curtailing their personal freedom and daily activities.
Internal Politics
Mullah Hibatullah’s Eid Message – In an Eid message attributed to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, he claimed the "Islamic Emirate" ensures citizens' Sharia rights. The message, coinciding with the 1,000th day of girls' school closures in Afghanistan, made no mention of resuming girls' education. Akhundzada called for action against Israeli attacks, condemned violence in Gaza, and urged good conduct from Taliban security forces. He also sought political and economic relations based on Sharia and emphasized the ongoing duty of enjoining good and forbidding wrong.
AGT Report on Internal Taliban Conflicts – The Afghanistan Green Trend Information Unit reports that internal conflicts and organizational disorder have led Molahbatullah to micromanage. The Taliban's intelligence directorate has faced accusations of kidnapping and extortion over the past two years. This situation has prompted Molahbatullah to shift kidnapping case authority from intelligence to the Ministry of Interior. Corruption, including the sale of documents and school certificates, persists within the Taliban. Despite increased financial incentives for militias, the group's legitimacy and administrative control remain questionable, resembling 2008 Waziristan.
New District Established in Nuristan – The Taliban established the Kantiwa district in Nuristan province, appointing a district governor. Previously administered by Paroon, the provincial capital, the new district is located in the Kantiwa valley.
International Developments
US Targeting SPK on Afghanistan-Pakistan Border – The US Department of Defense is targeting ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) militants and leaders in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border areas. Despite no comment from the Islamic Emirate, they previously claimed the US aims to sow regional distrust. Experts and officials assert Afghanistan is no longer a threat to other countries.
Leadup to Doha – With 15 days before the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan, the Taliban announced they are still reviewing the agenda, which currently excludes human rights and the appointment of a UN special envoy. This has sparked strong reactions from activists. Approximately 25 countries will send envoys, but the absence of human rights topics raises questions about the meeting's effectiveness, similar to the previous rounds. Conflicting statements have been made about Taliban participation, but they are likely to attend the Doha meeting in two weeks. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed their delegation's attendance despite protests from women calling for sanctions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Islamic Emirate plans to share its principles based on the UN's agenda and composition, noting that any changes will affect their decision.
Win for SIV Cases – PPer an Association of Wartime Allies (AWA) statement, on June 7, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the requirement for expeditious and timely adjudication of Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications for Afghan and Iraqi allies. This ruling ensures that the U.S. government must process these visa applications without undue delay, recognizing the urgent need for timely assistance to those who supported U.S. operations. The ruling is welcomed by advocacy groups as it strengthens protections and support for these allies amidst ongoing efforts to evacuate and resettle them. The Full statement can be read here
Tajikistan Opposes Taliban Participation in SCO – Tajikistan opposes the Taliban’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), causing friction among members. Most SCO Foreign Ministers favor resuming the SCO-Afghanistan contact group. Russia and others are pushing for Taliban inclusion, while Tajikistan remains hesitant. Despite regional engagement with the Taliban, Tajikistan cites security threats and maintains its refusal to interact with them.
UN Aid Recommendations – U.N. Women recommended dedicating 30% of international aid to Afghanistan for promoting gender equality and women's rights. They emphasized the need for sustained funding for women's civil society organizations, preventing normalization of Taliban's discriminatory policies, and integrating human rights into all actions. The report highlights severe oppression of women since the Taliban's return, with significant setbacks in education, maternal health, and social influence.
Call for ICC action on Gender Apartheid – Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch reported that UN Human Rights Rapporteur Richard Bennett's new report on Afghanistan urges countries to criminalize gender apartheid. Bennett calls for governments to file a complaint against the Taliban at the ICC for women's rights violations and to support ICC investigations. He will present his report to the UN Human Rights Council on June 21. Bennett emphasizes the Taliban's systematic discrimination as a crime against humanity and urges withholding legitimacy until human rights improvements occur.
Shia Scholars Statement on Resistance to the Taliban – On June 8, over 50 Afghan Shia figures convened in Frankfurt, Germany, stressing the need for "firm resistance" against the Taliban. Organized by Zakaria Mashkoor Kabuli and Shia Islamic centers, the meeting highlighted the oppression faced by Afghan Shias under Taliban rule. Participants declared the necessity of prepared and potentially armed resistance to protect their rights and security. Emphasizing unity with other anti-Taliban forces, they called for political, military, and social collaboration. The declaration also urged international and neighboring support for their struggle, asserting that trusting the Taliban is a mistake due to their discriminatory and repressive actions.
BRICS Meeting Discussion on Afghanistan – The BRICS foreign ministers, meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia on June 10-11, called for an urgent, peaceful settlement in Afghanistan to strengthen regional security. They emphasized verifiable measures against terrorism, supported an independent, peaceful, drug-free Afghanistan, and stressed the need for immediate humanitarian aid and protection of rights for all Afghans.
Afghan Olympics Team – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Taliban officials are barred from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Afghanistan will send a gender-equal team of three women and three men, highlighting gender equality amid the Taliban's restrictions on women's sports. The IOC continues to negotiate to lift these restrictions in Afghanistan.
Freedom of the Press
Journalist Arrested in Bagram – Local sources in Parwan report that the Taliban arrested Abdullah Danish, a former journalist for Ma'arif TV, on June 13 in Bagram district. Danish was detained while returning from Kabul and has been taken to an unknown location. The reason for his arrest is unknown, and the Taliban have not commented on the incident.
University Professor Released – University lecturer Rasul Parsa, who was detained by the Taliban in March for "insulting holy sedition," has been released as part of a broader amnesty. The Taliban’s supreme court announced that 339 individuals were freed under a decree by their supreme leader for Eid al-Adha. This release underscores the ongoing tensions between the Taliban and its critics.
Regional Developments
Afghans Banned From entering Peshawar during Holidays – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have banned Afghan refugees from entering Peshawar during Eid al-Adha and Muharram to ensure security, according to Police Chief Qasim Ali Khan. Security audits of sensitive locations and places of worship will be conducted. Pakistani officials claim attacks are orchestrated from Afghanistan, a claim rejected by the Islamic Emirate.
Islam Qara Border Crossing Closed – On Thursday, the Taliban closed the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat to freight trucks, rejecting visas issued by the Iranian consulate in Mashhad. This closure will remain until the Taliban-appointed consul begins work. The dismissed consul, Abdul Jabbar Ansar, has refused to accept his removal and continues his duties.
Afghans Celebrate Eid in Pakistan – Hizb-e Islami loyalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa celebrated Eid al-Adha today, praying at the party's mosque in Shamshato camp, Peshawar. The Taliban scheduled Eid prayer for tomorrow in Afghanistan and prohibited today's Eid prayers. Despite many countries, including Saudi Arabia, celebrating Eid today, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Hizb-e Islami's leader, resides in Kabul.
Health and Aid
Congo Fever Warning – As Eid al-Adha approaches, WHO reports a 38% increase in Congo fever cases in Afghanistan, with the disease spreading from animals to humans. The Taliban's Public Health Directorate in Paktia confirmed a young woman's death due to delayed treatment. Citizens are urged to maintain hygiene and avoid direct contact with livestock.
Report on Health Care issues since Taliban Takeover – The situation in Afghanistan has worsened dramatically since the Taliban takeover, especially for women and children. The health crisis is severe, with daily preventable deaths of 24 mothers and 167 newborns. Economic instability and Taliban restrictions have led to significant healthcare worker shortages, with only 10 healthcare workers per 10,000 people, far below the required 44. Many health centers have closed due to funding shortages, affecting millions. The Taliban's bans on women's education and their requirement for female patients to be treated only by female doctors further restrict access to healthcare. Violence against healthcare workers has increased, primarily caused by the Taliban and ISIS. The WHO needs an additional $352 million to maintain healthcare services. Polio remains a concern, although progress has been made. The future looks grim, with the potential for no female doctors in the coming years due to the ban on women's education. Full article here (note report in Dari)
US Aid Warning of Food Crisis – USAID reported widespread Crisis (IPC 3) levels of acute food insecurity in Afghanistan’s central highlands, northern, and western regions due to droughts, floods, and limited food access. In 2024, 23.7 million people need humanitarian aid, with 17.3 million prioritized. Despite the crisis, food security is expected to improve from May to October with the wheat harvest, increasing food access and income.
EU Aid to Prevent Famine – To mitigate famine and support Afghan refugees, the EU allocated nearly €150 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan in 2024. €126 million will aid operations within Afghanistan, €11 million will support Afghan refugees in Pakistan, and €11 million will assist those in Iran. The funding focuses on food, shelter, healthcare, and water access, targeting the most vulnerable populations.
Flood Reconstruction Starts in Ghor – AAccording to the Taliban, the construction of a residential township for flood victims has started in central Ghor, featuring 200 houses, a mosque, madrasa, school, clinic, and park. Taliban Deputy PM Abdul Ghani Baradar attended the inauguration, urging charities and organizations to assist.
Turkish Aid for Flood Victims – A train carrying 620 tons of humanitarian aid from Turkey for Afghanistan's flood victims arrived in Herat. Taliban officials received the aid, which includes food and non-food items, at the Torghundi port. This aid package is one of several sent by Turkey since the Taliban's takeover.
NEXT WEEK
Security Advisory for Eid and Doha Conference Period – During Eid and in the lead-up to the Doha conference, the Taliban will likely heighten security measures. Be aware of potential attacks by ISKP on Shia communities, particularly during Eid and Muharram. Exercise caution near Shia-dominant areas and places of worship. Additionally, resistance forces may increase attacks leading up to the Doha conference. Stay vigilant, particularly near Taliban checkpoints and areas frequently targeted by resistance forces. Prioritize your safety and stay informed.
Restrictions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have banned Afghan refugees from entering Peshawar during Eid al-Adha and Muharram for security reasons. Police will enforce a complete entry ban during these periods and conduct security audits at sensitive locations. Please be aware of these restrictions and plan accordingly. Deportations of Afghans are ongoing in Pakistan; exercise caution, particularly during this week’s holidays.
Caution in Iran During Elections and Religious Holidays – Iranian elections will be held on June 28. There has been a rise in anti-Afghan refugee and migrant rhetoric from public officials, and deportations are ongoing. Exercise caution, especially during Eid and Muharram, which begins on July 7. Stay informed and take necessary precautions during this period.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Interior Minister Statement on Afghans – Iran’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, stressed the need to expel refugees, citing Iran’s incapacity to host them. He revealed 1.3 million undocumented Afghan refugees in Iran and urged the UN to facilitate their return to Afghanistan. The influx surged post-Taliban takeover, making Afghans the largest refugee population globally in 2023.
Cleric's Death Sentence Overturned – The death sentence of Mohammad Khezrnejad, a Sunni cleric and government critic arrested during the 2022 protests, was commuted to imprisonment. This change occurred three days after top Sunni cleric Mowlavi Abdulhamid urged the Judiciary to quash the sentence, as announced by Iran's Judiciary news agency on Monday.
Iranian Reported Under Threat in Sweden – Mehran Abbasian, a reporter for Iran International TV, was moved to a secure location in Sweden after serious threats to his life. The threats are part of a broader pattern of danger faced by the channel’s journalists, linked to Iranian government plots involving criminal networks. Sweden's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over these allegations.
Statement on Foreigners Imprisoned in Iran – Iran's Deputy Justice Minister Askar Jalalian reported that 8,000 foreigners are imprisoned in Iran, mostly Afghans, with efforts underway for their repatriation. Iran's judiciary faces criticism from human rights groups for detaining foreign nationals and mistreating Afghan minorities.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan Bans New Passports for Asylum Seekers Abroad – Pakistan has banned issuing new passports and extending existing ones for citizens seeking or living on asylum abroad, citing national security concerns and international commitments. The directive, from the Federal Minister for Interior, aims to uphold national interests, as reported by Shabbir Turi and stated by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.
85 Afghans Arrested at Changai – Security forces arrested 85 Afghan nationals in Chagai district for illegally crossing into Pakistan, intending to travel to Iran. They were found without legal documents and handed over to the Levies Force for investigation and subsequent deportation via the Baracha crossing gate.
TTP Eid Message – Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, emir of the Pakistani Taliban/TTP, announced a three-day Eid al-Adha ceasefire from June 17-19 and a two-month sentence reduction for prisoners. Militants are permitted to take defensive actions if security forces initiate any activities.
China-Pakistan Meeting – Pakistani leader Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China aimed at securing new BRI investments ended with limited success. Despite meetings with President Xi Jinping, Pakistan received few concrete commitments due to China's wariness of Pakistan's economic instability. The five-day visit resulted in a joint statement with only vague mentions of enhanced economic cooperation.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
ISKP's Transnational Reemergence
Janatan Seyah
By leveraging its stronghold in Afghanistan, in conjunction with its networks in Central and South Asia, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is reemerging as a transnational actor with the capacity to carry out operations across Asia and Europe.
Recent admissions by anonymous Taliban officials highlight the extent of ISKP’s influence in Afghanistan, where the group has been recruiting and expanding its presence since the U.S. withdrawal. The resurgence of ISKP poses a major security threat not only within Afghanistan but also to the broader international community, as evidenced by their recent activities and threats spanning from Central Asia to Europe.
AFGHAN NEWS
Middle East Institute Taliban Tracker
With the Taliban entrenched in power in Afghanistan, the group's extremist ideology, history of ruthless repression, and extensive ties to militant networks demand close monitoring of its members, affiliates, and their activities. This imperative demands a deeper understanding of the configuration of the Taliban's current government and the internal power dynamics. This initiative aims to provide continuous insights into the “who's who” within the regime's corridors of power.
Kabul residents struggle to prepare for Eid al-Adha amid economic hardships
Amu TV
As Eid al-Adha approaches, the bustling markets of Kabul are filled with shoppers preparing for the festival. Both men and women scour the stalls for holiday essentials, yet beneath the surface, economic hardships are palpable.
Dry fruit sellers in Kabul reported a significant drop in prices compared to previous years. The cost of pistachios, almonds, and walnuts has decreased by up to 200 Afghanis, offering some relief to buyers. “Two years ago, a kilogram of pistachios cost 900 Afghanis. Now, it’s 650 Afghanis, but business is still slow,” said Qalandar Shah, a shopkeeper.
Taliban's Education Ban On Afghan Girls Fuels Spike In Child Marriages
Firuza Azizi
Amina was in the seventh grade when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Shortly after their takeover, the militants banned teenage girls from attending school, dashing the 14-year-old’s dreams of completing her education.
Months later, Amina’s family in the central province of Maidan Wardak forced her to marry a local 37-year-old man.
Amina, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said she was “traumatized and sick” when she was told of her family’s plans.
Taliban Conceal Statistics on Religious Schools and Their Graduates
8 AM
The Taliban’s Ministry of Education is not publicizing the statistics of graduates from religious schools. The ministry’s website and social media pages of this ministry show that for the past month, no information has been released about the graduation of students from jihadist and regular religious schools. Independent media outlets also have not reported on this matter. Concerns among citizens and the international community are growing over the increasing number of new Taliban recruits graduating from these extremist institutions.
What Makes the Taliban Disapproving of Tamadon TV’s Operations?
8 AM
Last Thursday, representatives from the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice visited Tamadon TV in Kabul, demanding the cessation of its broadcasts. Although the decision to stop its activities was postponed until Saturday, the Ministry’s spokesperson later stated that the buildings housing Tamadon TV, Khatam al-Nabieen Madrasa, and Khatam al-Nabieen University were situated on government land illegally. The spokesperson asserted that, since political parties are banned in Afghanistan and these institutions are linked to the Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, their activities are considered illegal by the Taliban. Consequently, the spokesperson announced that the offices of these institutions would be closed and their activities halted.
Afghan Merchants Transferred Most Of Their Capital To Iran, Says ACCI
Afghanistan International
Khan Jan Alokozay, Deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), has claimed that many Afghan traders and investors have transferred their companies and a significant portion of their capital to Iran.
Alokozay stated that after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, people have faced numerous challenges.
Tasnim News Agency reported on Sunday, that the Deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that most traders from western Afghanistan transferred their capital to Iran following the takeover of Taliban.
REGIONAL NEWS
Cipher case: Govt challenges Imran, Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s acquittals in SC
Abdullah Momand
The federal government on Thursday challenged PTI founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s acquittals in the cipher case before the Supreme Court.
The cipher case pertains to a diplomatic document that the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) charge sheet alleges was never returned by then-PM Imran, who long held that the document contained a threat from the US to topple his government.
Afshan Subohi
To make the upcoming budget — constrained by the stringent parameters set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — palatable for its special interest groups and the public, a desperate Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government appear ready to go to great lengths to appease China. This strategy likely aims to secure concessions, payment deferments, and immediate assistance at the current critical juncture.
Beyond the media hype surrounding the revival of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mr Sharif is working to secure a $15 billion rollover facility for five years and to persuade China to fund certain ‘big-ticket’ critical projects that Pakistan needs — but currently cannot afford — during his China visit last week. A businessman close to PML-N leadership shared this information in confidence.
Court Files Over 200 Cases Against Iranians Celebrating Raisi Death
Niloufar Goudarzi
More than 200 cases have been filed against Iranians amid the continued crackdown on celebrations of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi last month.
Mohammad Mousavian, Isfahan's Revolutionary Prosecutor, cited "spreading falsehood and offensive content" and "destabilizing society's psychological stability" as grounds for legal action against the reactions to the sudden death of the President in a helicopter crash during a Presidential visit.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UN Human Rights Council
In its resolution 54/1, the Human Rights Council requested the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, with the support of other relevant special procedure mandate holders and treaty bodies, to prepare a report on the phenomenon of an institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity and exclusion of women and girls. As requested, the present report builds on the joint report submitted to the Human Rights Council at its fifty-third session by the Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls. 1 According to that report, the Taliban were perpetrating the most extreme forms of gender-based discrimination, with Afghan women describing the erosion of their rights as “the walls [closing] in”, leaving them “without hope”
The Special Rapporteur and the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls determined that the pattern of large-scale systematic violations of women’s and girls’ fundamental rights in Afghanistan, abetted by the Taliban’s discriminatory and misogynist policies and harsh enforcement methods, constituted gender persecution and an institutionalized framework of gender apartheid, and provided detailed recommendations to the de facto authorities, States and the United Nations
Afghanistan Among Nations with Highest Number of Displaced People, UNHCR Reports
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over 117 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide, with Afghanistan, at 10.9 million, ranking among the countries with the highest numbers of displaced people.
In a report released today, June 13, UNHCR revealed the global trend of forced displacement in 2023, estimating that it has continued to rise in the first four months of 2024 and is likely to have surpassed 120 million by the end of April 2024.
Second Man of Afghanistan Origin Arrested for Knife Attack in Germany
The German police say that they have arrested a 19-year-old Afghan immigrant on charges of attacking and injuring a 41-year-old Ukrainian woman with a knife in Frankfurt, Germany.
As reported by the German Deutsche Welle (DW), the incident occurred on Monday afternoon, June 10, when the young man approached the woman from behind as she was sitting in a park and attacked her with a knife.
According to the report, the man grabbed the woman by the shoulder and stabbed her several times in the head and neck. Despite the victim’s efforts to escape, she was attacked again when she fell to the ground.
WTF
In a remarkable feat of progress, the Taliban joyously marked the 1,000th day of banning girls from secondary education and universities. As they busily convert schools into religious indoctrination centers for boys, Neda Mohammad Nadim, the acting Minister of Higher Education, proudly trumpeted their so-called advancements in higher education, like revising curricula and infrastructure projects, all while ignoring the glaring three-year exclusion of girls. Truly, nothing better demonstrates a commitment to education and modernity than systematically denying half the population the right to learn.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.77 AFN (as of 16 June 2024)
