List of Taliban’s Betrayals and Oppression Against the Afghan People

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have made promises of general amnesty, forming an inclusive government, and respecting human rights. However, most of these promises have been broken, turning into systematic oppression.

According to reports from international organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, the human rights situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated from 2021 to 2025, with the main focus of oppression being women, minorities, and dissidents. Below is a list of the most significant betrayals and atrocities based on documented evidence:

1. Violation of the General Amnesty Promise and Crackdown on Dissidents
   The Taliban promised amnesty for former republican government officials and security forces, but thousands have been detained, tortured, and extrajudicially executed. For example, in Takhar province, Taliban intelligence forces arrested and tortured two citizens accused of links to the Freedom Front. United Nations reports also highlight the Taliban’s disregard for human rights.
2. Deprivation of Women and Girls’ Right to Education and Work
   Since 2021, the ban on education for girls above the sixth grade has continued until 2025, affecting over 1.1 million girls. This directly violates the Taliban’s promise to respect women’s rights. Additionally, the prohibition of women working in civil society organizations and the media has been labeled a “crime against humanity.” Even Taliban scholar Abdul Hamid Hamsi admitted that the Taliban has committed “great oppression” against women.
3. Severe Restrictions on Freedom of Expression and Internet
   In September 2025, internet and communication blackouts disrupted daily life, the economy, and access to healthcare. This was done to suppress protests and dissenting voices. Campaigns like #StarLink_urgent_need_in_Afghanistan have been launched to overcome this censorship.
4. Forced Displacement and Land Grabbing of Minorities
   In Bamiyan, the Taliban forcibly displaced over 25 Hazara families from the villages of Rashak, Tobak, and Garghari, giving their lands to Kochis. This is part of a historical pattern of oppression against Hazaras. In Balkh, 92 jeribs of agricultural land were seized by Taliban relatives.
5. Oppression of Sexual and Religious Minorities
   LGBTQ women have faced the risk of execution and torture since 2021, and reports indicate an increase in systematic violence. Hazaras continue to be targeted in ethnic crimes, as evidenced by the #StopHazaraGenocide campaign.
6. Human Rights Violations Against Returning Migrants and Refugees
   Afghans returning from Pakistan face violence and are denied permission to build homes on their own land. Despite the Taliban’s promises of support, this situation persists.
7. Rise in Suicides and Despair Among Youth
   Oppression has triggered a wave of suicides; for example, young artist Hasher Ahses committed suicide due to “the pressure of Taliban oppression and darkness.” Restrictions on women’s movement have also reduced access to mental health and medical services.
8. Betrayal of International Promises and Failure to Form an Inclusive Government
   The failure to form an inclusive government has resulted in all key positions being held by Deobandi Pashtuns. Zalmay Khalilzad has been accused of “historical betrayal” for aiding the government’s collapse. The Taliban’s support for Hamas while oppressing their own women highlights their hypocrisy.