The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported continued human rights violations in Afghanistan, including arrests, alleged torture cases, and killings of former Afghan security personnel, alongside increasing restrictions on media freedom and religious practices.
In its latest quarterly report, UNAMA documented at least 23 cases of arbitrary detention, nine reported instances of torture, and five killings involving former members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. The report states that former government officials and ex-security personnel have also faced forced deportations to Afghanistan, where they were reportedly subjected to further rights abuses upon return.
According to UNAMA, individuals associated with the former Afghan government and security institutions remain vulnerable to arrest, detention, and physical abuse. The report highlights ongoing concerns over accountability mechanisms and the safety of individuals linked to the previous administration.
The mission further noted that forced returns to Afghanistan have placed many individuals at risk, particularly in cases where no legal protections or due process guarantees were reportedly ensured.
UNAMA also raised concerns over deteriorating media freedom in Afghanistan, citing continued pressure on journalists and media workers.
The report states that in January 2026, the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture revoked the licences of all media support organisations except three, significantly reducing institutional space for independent media development.
It further referenced the case of journalist Mahdi Ansari, who was released in March 2026 after completing an 18-month prison sentence on charges related to spreading propaganda against the Taliban. According to UNAMA, three additional media workers arrested in July 2025 remain in detention.
The report also documented the suspension of two media outlets during the reporting period. Rah-e-Farda TV was reportedly suspended following remarks made by its founder criticizing Taliban military policies towards Pakistan, while Khushal Radio in Ghazni was temporarily taken off air after a live broadcast incident involving female students calling into the programme.
UNAMA expressed concern over restrictions affecting religious freedom, particularly impacting Shia communities across multiple provinces.
According to the report, authorities in at least eight provinces directed Shia populations to observe Eid according to dates announced by the Taliban, rather than their traditional calendar. In some cases, clerics were reportedly detained for refusing to comply with these directives.
The report also noted restrictions on women’s access to religious spaces. In Kabul, morality enforcement officials reportedly barred women from entering a shrine during Nowruz celebrations. In Herat, a Shia mosque was instructed to restrict women from attending evening prayers.
UNAMA further referenced Decree No. 12 issued by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which reportedly defines Sunni Islam as the “dominant religious doctrine” while characterizing other religious beliefs as “heretical.”
The United Nations mission stated that these developments reflect a broader pattern of tightening restrictions on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and religious diversity in Afghanistan.
UNAMA emphasized the need for the protection of fundamental human rights, adherence to international obligations, and the safeguarding of all citizens regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
The report underscores growing international concern regarding the humanitarian and rights situation in Afghanistan as the country continues to navigate governance under Taliban authority.
