Concerns Grow Over Human Rights, Media Freedom in Afghanistan After UNAMA Quarterly Report

Concerns Grow Over Human Rights, Media Freedom in Afghanistan After UNAMA Quarterly Report
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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported hundreds of human rights violations across Afghanistan between April and June 2026, including arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, public floggings, and continued restrictions on women’s rights.

According to UNAMA’s latest quarterly report, authorities carried out 389 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, 65 cases of ill-treatment, and 137 public floggings during the three-month period. The arrests were linked mainly to enforcement of morality regulations, including rules related to women’s dress, men’s appearance, and bans on music.

The report also documented ongoing restrictions affecting women and girls, including continued limits on girls’ education, restrictions on female UN staff, and new regulations affecting family and social life.

UNAMA further raised concerns over violations against former Afghan government officials and security personnel, documenting eight killings, 29 arbitrary arrests and detentions, and five cases of torture or mistreatment during the same period. The report warned that former officials and security members, particularly those deported from neighboring countries, remain at increased risk.

The UN noted that despite repeated assurances of a general amnesty by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, reports of reprisals against former government personnel continue. Rights organizations have previously documented similar allegations of killings, disappearances, and torture.

Separately, UNAMA reported that 399 civilians were killed or injured across Afghanistan during the reporting period due to attacks, unexploded ordnance, and other security-related incidents, highlighting continued humanitarian and human rights challenges in the country.