Taliban Marks 5 Years in Power, UN Warns of Deepening Human Rights Crisis in Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan — Five years have passed since the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan, and on Saturday, leaders gathered at the traditional Loya Jirga assembly hall to commemorate their return. Officials hailed the anniversary as a moment of stability and an end to decades of conflict, emphasizing their Sharia-based governance.

However, a stark contrast emerged from the United Nations, with a top official issuing a grave warning about the human rights situation in the country. A major point of concern remains the widespread denial of education for girls above the age of 12, a policy implemented despite prior assurances from the Taliban that women would have access to schooling and public life.

The Taliban seized control on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops after a two-decade war. The chaotic scenes at Kabul airport during the pullout underscored the desperation of many Afghans to flee. Since then, restrictions on women have extended beyond education, barring them from higher learning, public spaces like gyms and parks, sports, and long-distance travel without a male guardian. Notably, no women were present at the celebratory Loya Jirga.

Deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat expressed hopes for continued peace and prosperity under their government during the ceremony. While celebrations, complete with Taliban flags and pro-Taliban slogans, were observed across various provinces, the international community largely remains isolated from the Taliban administration, with Russia being the only country to have formally recognized it. This anniversary serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of the ongoing restrictions and the challenges faced by the Afghan people.

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