Afghan Witness Reports

Restrictions on women and the media in Afghanistan are well documented, but how they are enforced is less understood. Drawing on Afghan Witness monitoring from January 2022 to April 2026, this report examines how nationally issued restrictions are implemented in practice, and finds that variation across provinces and institutions reflects the structure of Taliban governance rather than inconsistent policy.

Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, Afghan women have faced escalating restrictions that limit their mobility, visibility, and access to basic services. This report together recent directives verified by Afghan Witness, as well as a timeline of restrictions since 2021 to show how measures eroding women's rights across Afghanistan have developed.

Report of house searches, arrests, and intimidation of beauticians.

As the Taliban continue to erode women's rights, many Afghan women have turned to Instagram as a lifeline for community, self-expression and business - while navigating increasing restrictions and abuse.

Campaign follows ICC investigation into gender-based abuses.

Directive threatens licenses of NGOs defying restrictions, despite informal exceptions.

New Taliban ban ends women's medical education, raising alarm over future healthcare for Afghan women.

When acting Minister Hanafi discussed elements of the law on virtue and vice, misinterpretations spread globally.

International Court of Justice case against Taliban triggers social media campaigns from both supporters and critics

The Taliban's new vice and virtue law, ratified in July 2024, mandates severe restrictions on women's dress, public behaviour, and transportation, while also imposing limitations on the media and minorities.

An overview of women’s rights under the Taliban: erasure from public life, violence at home and online.

The IOC shuns the Taliban, Taliban ignores Afghan female athletes