In a new UN report, ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan have been recorded

May 12, 2026 Human Rights

The organization noted that women still face systematic restrictions in access to education, employment, and justice. At the same time, the likelihood of women turning to official justice mechanisms is almost four times lower than that of men.

The ban on education for girls older than sixth grade has been in effect for the fifth year in a row. According to UNESCO estimates, these measures affect about 2.2 million Afghan girls.

Restrictions on freedom of movement

The report also states that restrictions on the freedom of movement for women continue. According to MOONSA data, women without a hijab were disembarked from public transport and temporarily detained until relatives arrived. The mission also recorded cases when medical institutions were instructed not to assist women without the accompaniment of a mahram – male guardians. Furthermore, in several provinces, female healthcare workers were required to travel to work only when accompanied by a male guardian, and shop owners were instructed not to sell goods to women without a mahram companion and without the “proper” hijab.

Pressure on the CMC

MOONSA also reports ongoing pressure on the media and restrictions on freedom of expression in Afghanistan. In January, the de facto Ministry of Information and Culture announced the revocation of licenses for most organizations supporting the media, citing “unprofessional activities.” The operation of certain mass media outlets was suspended. For example, Khushal Private Radio temporarily ceased broadcasting after female students participated in a live broadcast with a male host. The report also notes that the media lacks a clear mechanism for appealing decisions regarding suspension and activities.

Arbitrary detentions and control over compliance with behavioral norms

From January to March 2026, MOONSA documented at least 336 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as 59 cases of cruel treatment by inspectors of the de facto Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. According to the mission’s data, the detentions were mainly related to “improper” haircuts and trimmed beards on men, listening to music, as well as alleged violations of hijab-wearing rules by women.

Inspectors also monitored compliance with religious and cultural restrictions. For example, on Valentine’s Day in several provinces, people were detained who were accused of selling or buying festive gifts and flowers.

The report also mentions restrictions regarding Shiite communities. In some provinces, representatives of the Shiite community were instructed to observe Eid al-Fitr only on the date de facto established by the authorities. In one case, a group of Shiite religious figures was detained for refusing to comply with this requirement.

Justice system and new restrictions

The report notes that in January, the Supreme Court sent to the courts a new decree “On Criminal Procedural Rules,” which introduces additional restrictions and expands the list of acts punishable by law.

According to the document, the death penalty can be applied for a number of crimes, including “spreading corruption,” “heresy,” “blasphemy,” and homosexual relations. The decree also criminalizes criticism of the authorities, politics, and interpretations of Sharia. Among the punishments are prison terms and public flogging.

At MOONSA, attention was also paid to the provisions of the decree concerning women. Thus, the document provides for punishment for women who leave their husband’s home without his permission, as well as for relatives who hinder the return.

Separate concern at the UN was caused by provisions that provide different approaches to punishment depending on a person’s social status. The report notes that representatives of the “upper classes” may receive warnings, whereas representatives of the “middle and lower classes” receive prison terms and corporal punishments.

The UN expresses concern about the ongoing expansion of restrictions and the application of punishments that contradict international standards in the field of human rights.