Latest News
Watchdogs call for immediate end to attacks on activists and journalists
Amnesty International along with nine other watchdog organizations said in a joint statement on Wednesday that the Afghan government has failed to adequately respond to complaints of threats and early warning signals of attacks against human rights defenders and journalists.
“Defenders are faced with an impossible choice of balancing their commitment to work in their country with threats against themselves and their families,” the statement read.
“We call on the Government of Afghanistan to take greater responsibility to ensure the safety and security of defenders, activists, and journalists, and to end impunity for the attacks against them.”
The group stated “the timing of escalating attacks against human rights defenders, activists and journalists appears to be linked to the ongoing peace process between the Government of Afghanistan, the United States, and the Taliban”.
They said from September 2020 until May 2021, a total of 17 human rights defenders have been killed, including nine journalists.
During this period, over 200 human rights defenders and media representatives reported that they were receiving serious threats.
According to the statement: “These attacks are aimed at silencing peaceful dissent and those working on human rights, especially women’s rights, as well as those seeking justice and accountability for human rights violations.
In addition, the group said: “The attack targeting school children in Kabul on 8 May, is a devastating reminder of escalating violence against civilians, especially against women and girls.”
They also stated that with the announcement of an unconditional withdrawal and no progress on the peace process, the promotion and protection of the rights of human rights defenders and journalists does not seem to be a priority.
“The lack of respect for International Humanitarian Law and the absence of accountability for attacks against human rights defenders and activists, have only increased the danger to defenders and emboldened perpetrators,” they said.
The use of civilian targets for military gains was also slammed by the group who said the Afghan authorities and the international community must call on all
parties to end this and to safeguard the progress in human rights made over the last two decades so as to ensure they are not scaled back as a result of the
ongoing negotiations.
The group noted that civil society members, women human rights defenders and journalists often have had to relocate within Afghanistan and, in some cases, even temporarily leave the country with their families for safety concerns.
“State mechanisms for the protection of defenders including the recently appointed Joint Commission for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders have yet to be operationalized,” the statement read.
They also said much more must be done to ensure that the peace process takes into account the threats, harassment, intimidation and attacks occurring in the country and to ensure that it does not exacerbate people’s suffering.
“The crisis unfolding in the country requires a strong commitment to direct engagement and support for Afghan defenders to work and live in safety and dignity,” the statement read.
In turn, the group called on the Afghan government and relevant international actors to take certain steps, including that the newly established government-led Joint Commission deliver on its objectives to provide effective protection to human rights defenders at risk.
“We call for access to information on the measures that the Joint Commission has taken so far to provide immediate protection to defenders, investigate the threats against them and to bring suspected perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
They also called on the Taliban and other groups targeting civilians and human rights defenders to immediately end the violence and prioritize intra-Afghan peace talks as a way to ensure sustainable peace.
The group also suggested the establishment of a national monitoring mechanism, and an impartial and independent mechanism internationally to investigate the killings of human rights defenders and journalists in order to clarify the circumstances in which the defenders were killed, and to expeditiously bring those responsible to justice.
In conclusion the group stated that effective representation of human rights defenders, especially women, needs to be ensured in any peace process that has a bearing on their security.
“Participation must include guarantees of safety, and effective and equitable representation of views.”
Signatory Organizations:
Amnesty International
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Civicus
FIDH, within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
World Organisation Against Torture
(OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Front Line Defenders
South Asians for Human Rights
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights – Asia & Pacific
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Latest News
CSTO says Tajik-Afghan border security still ‘complicated’
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that Afghan territory will not be used against any country.
The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) says the security situation along the Tajik-Afghan border remains “complicated,” citing ongoing concerns over militant activity in northern Afghanistan.
Viktor Vasilyev, chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council, said this week that instability in Central Asia continues to stem from threats posed by militants operating near Afghanistan’s northern border region.
Speaking at a forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Vasilyev said member states plan to intensify joint efforts to counter militant groups that, according to Tajik and Chinese authorities, have carried out attacks on Chinese-backed business interests and other sporadic cross-border incidents affecting Tajikistan. Afghanistan’s ruling authorities have expressed regret over such incidents, but he said the security situation remains fragile in remote border areas.
“Despite Russia’s and several Central Asian countries’ efforts to establish contacts with the current authorities in Kabul, the security situation remains complicated,” Vasilyev said, calling it the CSTO’s main concern in the region, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
He added that the bloc plans to expand coordinated operations, including efforts to “neutralize militant and extremist groups” that he said continue to accumulate along Afghanistan’s northern borders. He also described reported shelling of Tajik territory from Afghanistan as a “particular concern.”
The CSTO, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia, has previously supported Tajikistan through military equipment and joint exercises aimed at strengthening border security along its 1,200-kilometer frontier with Afghanistan.
However, Armenia has suspended its participation in the alliance, citing dissatisfaction over CSTO inaction during past conflicts with Azerbaijan, and has instead pursued closer ties with Europe and the United States. The issue of Armenia’s status is expected to be discussed at the ongoing forum in St. Petersburg.
Vasilyev, a veteran Russian Foreign Ministry official, assumed the rotating CSTO chairmanship in January and is set to remain in the position until the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that Afghan territory will not be used against any country and has assured that it will not allow any armed group to operate from Afghan soil against neighboring states.
Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate says work on the TAPI Pipeline is advancing steadily, with major infrastructure activities continuing at a rapid pace across the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid said around 130 kilometers of the route have been leveled so far, while 91 kilometers of pipeline have already been installed.
He said the total distance from the border of Turkmenistan to the Herat Industrial Park covers 153 kilometers, where the pipeline will extend.
According to Mujahid, completion of the project is expected to bring major economic transformation to Herat, with thousands of factories projected to become operational.
The 1,814-kilometer pipeline, including 816 kilometers passing through Afghanistan to Pakistan, is designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Work on the Afghan section began in September 2024, with 52 percent completed so far, while the Herat section is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
Once operational, the project is expected to provide Afghanistan with millions of dollars in annual transit revenue, while the country will also receive 500 million cubic meters of gas initially, increasing to 1 billion and later 1.5 billion cubic meters in future phases.
Afghanistan marked the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura, with religious ceremonies held across Kabul and several other provinces, as thousands of mourners gathered to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ashura commemorates one of the most significant events in Islamic history, when Imam Hussain (RA) and 72 of his loyal companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala. The occasion is observed annually across the Muslim world through prayers, mourning ceremonies, and acts of charity.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described Ashura as an opportunity to strengthen national unity and solidarity. In a message marking the occasion, he expressed hope that Afghans would draw inspiration from the spiritual significance of Ashura and work together for the
progress, prosperity, and development of a united Afghanistan enriched by knowledge and education.
Religious scholars also emphasized that the uprising of Imam Hussain (RA) continues to symbolize justice, sacrifice, unity, and resistance against oppression, carrying a timeless message for Muslim societies and humanity as a whole.
Meanwhile, officials of the Islamic Emirate attending Ashura commemorations said all necessary measures had been taken to ensure religious ceremonies were held peacefully and securely across the country.
The Ministry of Interior also confirmed that extensive security measures had been implemented for Ashura, with large numbers of security personnel deployed to protect mourners, mosques, Hussainiyas, and other venues hosting commemorative events.
In Kabul and several other provinces, Ashura ceremonies concluded peacefully as worshippers observed the occasion through prayers, religious gatherings, and the distribution of food and charity in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
CSTO says Tajik-Afghan border security still ‘complicated’
FIFA World Cup: Iran held by Egypt after controversial late goal Is disallowed
Israel, Lebanon sign initial agreement after US-mediated talks
US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
Exclusive interview with Polleak Ok Serei, UNODC Representative for Afghanistan
Norway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
Afghanistan expands oil production as investment in Amu Darya fields grows
TAPI project advances in Afghanistan as 84kms of pipeline laid
Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asia records sharp growth
Afghanistan to play in Diamond Jubilee Tournament opener against Maldives
Exclusive interview with Polleak Ok Serei, UNODC Representative for Afghanistan
Tahawol: Germany’s defense of engagement with IEA discussed
Saar: Rejection of security threats from Afghan soil discussed
Tahawol: Efforts to eliminate drugs across Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Brussels meeting and discussion on Afghan refugees discussed
-
International Sports5 days agoIran goalkeeper shines in heroic draw against Belgium at FIFA World Cup 2026
-
International Sports3 days agoKnockout picture begins to take shape at FIFA World Cup 2026
-
Latest News5 days agoEarthquake of magnitude 5.2 strikes Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region
-
Latest News4 days agoContract signed for reconstruction of 15km section of Salang Highway
-
Business4 days agoKazakhstan signs $18.8 million zinc ore supply agreement with Afghan company
-
Business5 days agoAfghanistan officials call for investment during Indian expo visit
-
Latest News3 days agoAfghanistan’s SCO participation blocked over one member’s objection, Kabulov says
-
Latest News4 days agoQatar embassy holds roundtable on Afghanistan’s relations with international community