Since retaking control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have persecuted and committed other egregious human rights violations against multiple civilian groups. These groups include ethnic and religious minorities, women and girls, individuals affiliated with the former government and perceived opposition groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, media workers, and civil society actors. ISIS-K, an Islamic State affiliate, has also systematically targeted ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Hazara community. Growing restrictions on targeted groups within the country, coupled with a worsening humanitarian crisis, put civilians at great risk.
This June 2024 report identifies troubling trends in the persecution of women and girls in Afghanistan. It shares recommendations for how the international community can best support efforts to hold the Taliban accountable for these crimes.
There are warning signs of mass atrocities in Afghanistan. This August 2023 report identifies concerning trends and scenarios that warrant the international community’s attention. It shares policy recommendations to anticipate, prevent, and respond to mass atrocities.
Our assessment, from the Early Warning Project, estimates the risk of mass killing in Afghanistan over the next year.
Women and girls in Afghanistan are enduring deepening human rights violations and waves of violence. A group of UN experts says the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity.
The Museum is deeply concerned about grave threats facing many segments of Afghan society, including women and girls. In particular, we are concerned about ethnic and religious minorities, who face a risk of crimes against humanity or even genocide.
The Taliban’s takeover has increased the risk of mass atrocities. Here’s how the United States can help prevent them.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the risk of mass atrocities has increased for vulnerable groups, including ethnic and religious minorities. The Hazara community is experiencing increasing and widespread attacks by ISIS-KP and the Taliban alongside a history of persecution, necessitating an immediate response by the US and other governments.
While the Taliban takeover threatens civilians across Afghanistan, the country’s women and girls and Hazara populations are at particular risk of mass atrocities. Even prior to the Taliban’s seizing control of the country, the Early Warning Project’s Statistical Risk Assessment ranked Afghanistan second in the world for the risk of a new onset of mass killing of civilians in 2020–21.
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Find information on historical cases of genocide and other atrocities.