Taliban Anniversary Marked Amid Human Rights Concerns

The Taliban and other officials gathered in Kabul’s Loya Jirga hall to mark five years since reclaiming power. They touted stability and the end of conflict following decades of turmoil.

A UN official highlighted a severe human rights crisis in the country, with education denied to girls over 12. The Taliban took control on August 15, 2021, as US and NATO troops withdrew, leading to chaos at Kabul airport as people tried to flee.

Soon after, the Taliban banned education for girls beyond sixth grade and later prohibited higher education for women. Women are barred from public spaces, sports, and traveling without a male guardian. Taliban celebrations marked the ‘liberation’ of Afghanistan from US forces.

At the Loya Jirga, officials were joined by foreign representatives and citizens, who listened to speeches about Afghanistan’s ‘liberation’ from US forces. Taliban spokesperson Hamdula Fitrat expressed hope for continued peace and prosperity under sharia law.

Vice Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi stated the Taliban ended decades of external interventions and internal conflicts, claiming increased security. Hanafi noted the decline in daily deaths and tragedies under their governance. Women did not attend the ceremony.

Five years on, the Taliban government remains internationally isolated, recognized only by Russia. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi noted benefits for countries engaging with the Taliban and urged others to reconsider.

Celebrations occurred under tight security, with Taliban flags displayed in Kabul and other provinces. Convoys clogged traffic and security was heightened with numerous checkpoints.

In a video message, UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett addressed Afghanistan’s human rights crisis. He questioned if real peace exists, noting deteriorating rights, especially for women and girls. He equated the situation to crimes against humanity.

Bennett detailed issues beyond gender discrimination, including arbitrary detention and restrictions on free expression. He warned against ‘normalizing’ Taliban policies, which could legitimize discrimination and undermine victims’ suffering.

In an interview, Taliban official Molvi Hayatula Mahajar Farahi cited security and job creation achievements. Yet, 2.4 million girls remain barred from secondary education, according to UNESCO.

The UN’s World Food Program reported critical child malnutrition in a third of Afghan provinces due to funding shortages. UN Women highlighted severe restrictions on Afghan women, impacting the country’s social and economic foundations.