ISLAMABAD: A United Nations report has documented cases of rape, gang rape and other forms of sexual violence against Afghan women and girls, highlighting what it describes as continuing human rights concerns under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
According to the report presented to the UN Security Council, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded 21 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2025 involving 15 women and six girls.
The report states that some victims were subjected to rape and gang rape, while others were stripped naked or forced into marriage. It noted that despite the Taliban’s publicly announced ban on forced marriages, some Taliban officials were involved in arranging or sustaining such practices.
The UN also documented cases in which women protesting against Taliban policies were subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment and sexual violence. Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, said women and girls who challenged Taliban restrictions faced particular risks while in detention.
The report further highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation facing Afghan women. According to the UN, access to support services has declined significantly because of funding shortages and restrictions on female humanitarian workers. By July 2025, more than 400 health centres had closed, while hundreds of gender-based violence service points had become inactive.
The report also raised concerns about the lack of access to justice for women affected by sexual violence, noting that complaints are often handled by male officials in the absence of a clear legal framework.
The UN Secretary-General called on Taliban authorities to immediately end all forms of sexual violence, repeal policies restricting the rights and freedoms of women and girls, and comply with international obligations. He also urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on Afghan women working for the United Nations and non-governmental organisations.
