Tarz Press: “They took me to the interrogation room, slammed my head against the wall. One of the Taliban tore my clothes and touched private parts of my body.”
This harrowing experience, shared by a woman imprisoned by the Taliban, reflects the brutal reality faced by many Afghan women. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, reported on this issue based on verified evidence, stating that women held in Taliban prisons are alarmingly subjected to sexual assault and abuse.
Some women have recounted personal experiences of such violence, while others recall the Taliban’s demeaning and abusive behavior. Bennett’s report, published on October 28, highlights the critical situation for women in Taliban prisons, confirming that women are subjected to violence, sexual harassment, and humiliation.
Previously, Amnesty International had reported an escalation in sexual abuse and violence against detained women following the Taliban’s takeover. The organization noted that these women are deprived of basic human rights, legal support, and medical care. Human Rights Watch stated in 2023 that the Taliban detain women without trial for social offenses, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
International media outlets, such as The Washington Post, The Guardian, Reuters, and Al Jazeera, have corroborated these reports. They note that women detained for violating the Taliban’s mandatory dress code and other regulations face severe discrimination and mistreatment, not only in prison but also within society. Many women returning to society after detention struggle with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, highlighting the need for serious international support.
In his report, Bennett described the situation for Afghan women as an example of “gender apartheid,” warning that the Taliban’s systematic policies deny women their fundamental rights, potentially constituting crimes against humanity. He pointed to the rising rates of depression and anxiety among Afghan women as a signal of the worsening human rights crisis in the country.
These reports from the UN, human rights organizations, and international media indicate that violence and abusive treatment against Afghan women have intensified significantly. The accounts from Richard Bennett, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and major news outlets confirm that under Taliban rule, women face severe physical, psychological, and social pressures, and are denied even their most basic rights.
Through restrictive policies, including mandatory veiling and severe restrictions on access to education and employment, the Taliban have excluded women from social life. Many women are detained for non-compliance with these rules and are held in prison under degrading conditions, without medical or psychological support.
In some cases, the Taliban detain women without legal justification. Human Rights Watch highlights that such actions signify a collapse of human rights in Afghanistan, potentially amounting to crimes against humanity.
The UN and other human rights bodies have warned of the deep psychological impact of Taliban prisons on women. Many who return to society after their release face stigma and criticism from family and society, often leading them to depression, isolation, and even suicide. This critical situation underscores the psychological and social crisis resulting from the Taliban’s policies, with long-term consequences for Afghan society.
Bennett, addressing the UN General Assembly, warned that without international intervention to support Afghan women, the human rights crisis in Afghanistan will deepen. He likened the current situation to gender apartheid and emphasized the urgent need for international support.
