About Us

CIR is a global leader in open-source investigations, exposing and disrupting malign actors wherever they operate. Our teams investigate foreign influence operations, document harm in conflict environments and expose networks responsible for online manipulation and other harmful activity. At the heart of our approach is a distinctive combination of deep local expertise and cutting-edge investigative methods. By working with regional analysts, civil society partners and technical specialists, we are able to rapidly collect, verify and analyse digital evidence from some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Discover More

Our Goal

CIR aims to expose harm globally, online and offline, especially in violent conflicts.

Methodology

CIR’s methodology has been guided by best practices in the open source field.

FAQs

Find quick answers to frequently asked questions regarding our work.

Listen

"Voice Memo" recordings showcase the diverse people and minds at CIR.

Afghan Witness Reports

Within

Containing

Media

23rd Jan 24

The stories of Afghanistan’s women journalists

From breaking barriers and challenging taboos, to facing widespread restrictions, AW looks at the experience of Afghanistan’s female journalists since the Taliban’s takeover.

Protest

23rd Jan 24

Unclaimed Shia killings spark anti-Taliban protest

After three unclaimed killings of Shia scholars between 22 October and 1 December 2023, protests erupted in Herat against the Taliban’s alleged neglect of the Shia community. Questions remain about the perpetrators of these attacks, as ISKP, a militant group with a reputation for attacking Shias in Afghanistan has remained silent.

Policies and Restrictions

9th Jan 24

Male protests 2023: Driven by scarcity, restricted by risk

2023 saw Afghan men engaging in protests driven predominantly by economic concerns, but also in solidarity with women and minorities, risking their personal safety and financial security

19th Dec 23

Involvement of Afghans in Dera Ismail Khan suicide attack raises tensions with Pakistan

The recent Tehreek Jihad Pakistan attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province raises tensions between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan as evidence of Afghans’ involvement emerges.

29th Nov 23

Taliban response to Pakistan expulsion of refugees: support announced, but poor conditions reported

The Taliban announced comprehensive support for refugees returning from Afghanistan, but reports of poor conditions have emerged from the camps set up.

28th Nov 23

One year of Sharia punishments

Afghan Witness' in-depth analysis of judicial practices and human rights implications under Taliban rule

Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Women in Activism, Media, and Politics

23rd Nov 23

'Violence behind a screen': Event Recap

Afghan Witness reflects on some of the key takeaways of the project’s event on 21 November 2023 with Shaharzad Akbar, Francesca Gentile and Nina Jankowicz. How has online abuse affected Afghan women and what can be done about it?

Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Women in Activism, Media, and Politics

17th Nov 23

Violence behind a screen: rising online abuse silences Afghan women

Social media has provided a crucial platform for Afghan women since the Taliban takeover, but a new investigation by Afghan Witness reveals how those who dare to speak out are facing a torrent of abuse online. The impacts are devastating for women’s political participation – both online and off.

10th Nov 23

Increase in claimed ISKP attacks in Afghanistan

AW’s analysis of claimed ISKP attacks found an increase in activity in October, with targeting of Shia civilians resumed and the renewed use of simple gun attacks