The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) has alleged that sexual violence, physical torture, and psychological abuse remain serious concerns inside Taliban detention facilities, according to findings contained in its newly released World Torture Index 2026.
The report, published on Thursday, presents a detailed assessment of torture risks and detention practices in 39 countries and identifies Afghanistan among the countries where detainees face significant risks of abuse, arbitrary detention, and violations of due process.
According to the OMCT, Taliban intelligence and security institutions play a central role in cases involving arbitrary arrests, interrogations, and alleged mistreatment of detainees. The organization has called for the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms to oversee detention facilities and investigate allegations of abuse.
One of the report’s most serious findings concerns allegations of sexual violence in detention. The OMCT cited growing international concerns over reports that detainees have been subjected to sexual abuse, physical violence, and psychological coercion while in custody.
The report comes weeks after the United Nations Security Council expressed concern over reported incidents of sexual violence in Afghanistan. According to UN findings referenced by the OMCT, multiple cases involving women and girls were documented during the past year, including allegations of rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
The report further states that arbitrary arrests continue across Afghanistan, often without judicial warrants or transparent legal procedures. Individuals are reportedly detained for reasons ranging from personal appearance and dress requirements to alleged violations of social restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities.
According to the OMCT, the judicial system lacks many of the safeguards associated with internationally recognized fair-trial standards. The organization argues that access to legal representation remains limited in many cases and that confessions continue to play a significant role in judicial proceedings.
The report also highlights a sharp increase in the number of women held in detention facilities. According to figures cited by the organization, the female prison population has risen substantially since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, prompting renewed concerns among human rights advocates regarding the circumstances surrounding arrests and prosecutions involving women.
The OMCT further alleges that detainees have reported being subjected to physical abuse and coercive interrogation techniques. The organization claims that the absence of independent oversight and accountability mechanisms has made it difficult to investigate allegations or hold perpetrators responsible.
Human rights monitors have repeatedly raised concerns about conditions inside Taliban-run detention centers. Former detainees and activists have described experiences involving solitary confinement, physical abuse, intimidation, and pressure to provide confessions.
The report also references concerns raised by international human rights experts regarding restrictions on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly in Afghanistan. It argues that the broader human rights environment contributes to increased vulnerability for individuals detained by security authorities.
The World Organization Against Torture noted that independent monitoring remains severely limited and urged greater international attention to detention practices in Afghanistan. The organization stressed that transparency, accountability, and external oversight are essential to preventing abuse and protecting detainees’ rights.
The Taliban have previously rejected many allegations made by international human rights organizations and maintain that their institutions operate in accordance with Islamic law and Afghan legal principles. However, the OMCT argues that independent investigations and unrestricted monitoring are necessary to verify conditions inside detention facilities and address persistent allegations of torture, sexual violence, and mistreatment.
The publication of the World Torture Index 2026 is expected to intensify international scrutiny of Afghanistan’s human rights situation, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees, the role of security institutions, and allegations of sexual violence within the detention system.
