Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe report also mentions that critical journalists were arrested, and additional restrictions were imposed on the media this year.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its 2024 annual report expressed concern over what it describes as worsening human rights conditions in Afghanistan.
According to the report, restrictions on women have intensified this year, with women in Afghanistan facing serious obstacles to employment, freedom of expression, and movement.
The report states: “The situation in Afghanistan worsened in 2024 as the Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, particularly against women and girls. Afghanistan remained the only country where girls and women were banned from secondary and university education, while also facing significant barriers to employment and freedom of movement, assembly, and speech.”
“2024 was painful for us because we stayed at home; we couldn’t attend courses or continue our studies,” Anahita, a student, told TOLOnews.
“Our demand from the Islamic Emirate is to reopen all schools and universities for girls,” said Beheshta, another student.
The report also mentions that critical journalists were arrested, and additional restrictions were imposed on the media this year.
Afghanistan’s economic crisis is another aspect highlighted in the Human Rights Watch report, stating that this crisis has left 23 million people in need of humanitarian aid.
The report said: “The Taliban also detained journalists and critics and imposed severe restrictions on the media. Afghanistan’s economic crisis left 23 million in need of humanitarian assistance; women and girls were disproportionally affected.”
“Instead of humanitarian aid, they should assist with large-scale projects to create long-term job opportunities,” said Abdul Haseeb Safi, an economic analyst.
Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, rejected the report, stating that ensuring citizens’ rights within the framework of Islamic rulings is the responsibility of the interim government, and no one is allowed to violate individuals’ rights.
Mujahid commented: “The measures taken for our sisters are based on Islamic Sharia principles, and we are also seeking solutions for some social issues. However, no one’s rights have been violated.”
This comes as the international community continues to link normalizing relations with the interim government to ensuring women’s rights in the country—a condition the Islamic Emirate has consistently viewed as a means of applying pressure on the government.