Protect Afghan Civilians: A Plea for Chapter VII Intervention
Afghan civil society is formally urging the UN Security Council to intervene as hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban regime reach a breaking point. Since February 26, 2026, escalated strikes and clashes across 10 provinces have created a dire humanitarian crisis. The Impact on the Ground:Casualties: At least 289 civilians have been killed or injured, […]
HRD+ Statement in Support of Freedom of Expression of Civil Activists Advocating for the Fundamental Right to Education
29.03.2026Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+) states that Mr. Qadoos Khatibi and Mr. Fayyaz Ghori, civil activists from Herat, have, solely as responsible citizens, expressed their peaceful views in support of reopening schools for girls and have advocated for their right to education. This action represents a clear manifestation of the connection between “freedom of expression” […]
Policy Brief: The Taliban’s Gender Governance Model: Implications and Future Prospects
SummarySince the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed fundamental changes in its political and social structure. One of the most striking features of this period is the issuance of a broad set of decrees and directives that have directly restricted the rights and freedoms of women and girls. An examination of […]
Joint Statement on the Escalation of Tensions Between Pakistan and de facto authorities in Afghanistan
We are deeply concerned by the rapidly unfolding situation between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the de facto authorities in Afghanistan. The escalation of cross-border hostilities in recent weeks has placed civilian lives, regional stability, and long-standing economic ties under grave threat. Over the past weeks, exchanges of military strikes and confrontations have intensified […]
Civil Society Joint Statement “Criminal Procedure Code for Courts” will further deepen the human rights crisis in Afghanistan
Civil Society joint statement addressing the ongoing and grave human rights concerns in Afghanistan. This statement reflects a collective commitment by civil society partners to uphold fundamental rights, accountability, and justice. We invite our partners, media colleagues, and supporters to read the full statement and share it widely. Broad engagement and coordinated advocacy are essential […]
HRD+ Statement on the Destruction of Musical Instruments and the Violation of the Cultural Rights of Citizens of Afghanistan
Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+) issues this statement to draw the urgent attention of the international community to the serious and systematic violations of the cultural rights of the citizens of Afghanistan. Based on documented reports and published images, the Taliban have collected musical instruments in the provinces of Parwan and Laghman and publicly set […]
A Legal Critique of the Taliban’s Judicial Charter From “Law” to a “Charter of Barbarism” in Afghanistan
Date: 23/01/2026The Taliban have issued on 4th of January 2026 a document entitled “Criminal Procedure Code for Courts” which is claimed to have entered into force and to be binding following its signature by Hibatullah Akhundzada as the Taliban leader. On its face, the document is presented as a framework for regulating the judicial and […]
HRD+ Statement, Condemning the Taliban’s New Regulation on the Basis of Human Rights Principles
Date: 23/01/2026Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+) considers the Taliban’s new regulation issued on 4th of January 2026 as Criminal Procedure Code for Courts to be a document that institutionalises systematic human rights violations and consolidates rule by coercion—a document founded neither on the will of the people, nor on law, nor on accepted legal standards. […]
A Historic Event on the Path to Justice
AbstractFrom 8 to 10 October 2025, as an initiative emerging from Afghan civil society and within the framework of the Permanent People’s Tribunal, headquartered in Italy, the People’s Tribunal for Afghan Women was convened in Madrid. This tribunal was widely welcomed by Afghan public opinion, and its proceedings were broadcast live by the media and […]
HRD+ Statement on Condemning the Arrest of Nazera Rashidi, a Woman Journalist in Kunduz, Afghanistan
Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+) expresses its deep and grave concern and strongly condemns the arrest of Ms. Nazera Rashidi, a committed journalist in Kunduz province, carried out by the Taliban intelligence services. This action constitutes a clear and systematic violation of fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and women’s rights […]