Taliban is in power in Afghanistan in last four years, human rights concerns remain widespread, with women and girls facing severe restrictions and reports of arbitrary detention, torture, censorship and other abuses.

A human rights campaign has called for stronger international action, arguing that the response to the situation in Afghanistan has so far failed to provide meaningful accountability.

The campaign says women and girls have been pushed out of many areas of public life and face restrictions on their participation in social, political and cultural affairs. It also points to continued concerns over freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.

According to the campaign, cases of torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance continue, while the use of corporal punishment and the lack of an independent justice system have further limited avenues for victims seeking justice.

“It surprises me how international community still expect that the Taliban will respect human rights,” said Tarina Wodod, a human rights defender from Afghanistan.

The campaign argues that statements of concern from governments are not enough and is calling for stronger measures to establish an accountability mechanism capable of addressing alleged abuses.

It is also urging governments to use diplomatic and other forms of pressure to improve the rights of women and girls and to create space for their participation in public life.

The campaign has further called for action against corporal punishment and for the development of an independent and impartial justice system that can provide access to justice for Afghanistan’s population, including women.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, August 15th , 2026