Taliban Move to Close Private Orphanages Raises Oversight and Welfare Concerns

The Taliban-run Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs says it has begun shutting down private orphanages across Afghanistan, citing the need for stronger oversight and improved care for children without guardians, a development reported by Amu TV. Officials say the initiative is intended to standardise services by transferring children into state-run facilities under direct government supervision.

Samiullah Ebrahimi, a spokesperson for the ministry, said authorities are working to ensure what he described as the “proper upbringing” of vulnerable children. He explained that privately operated centres providing education or care are being merged into government-managed orphanages so that children’s needs can be addressed in a unified and regulated manner. According to the ministry, about 60 orphanages currently operate nationwide, housing roughly 10,000 children.

The policy follows claims by Shafiq Murid, the founder of the private Rayan Children orphanage, who said his centre was closed on the direct order of the Taliban’s leader and that its assets were confiscated. His remarks have drawn attention to the broader impact of the closures on privately funded welfare initiatives.

Activists and observers have expressed concern that state-run orphanages may lack adequate resources and services, and warn of potential ideological influence. Critics say private orphanages have long filled critical gaps after decades of conflict left tens of thousands of children without parental care. The Taliban have not disclosed how many private centres will be affected or when the process will conclude.