On the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed raised alarm over the ongoing violations of the rights of women and girls. Emphasizing the importance of international support, she called for renewed efforts to empower Afghan women, whose dreams and aspirations remain stifled by the current regime.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
One year after a catastrophic earthquake struck Kunar province, survivors are languishing in tents, facing severe shortages of housing, clean water, and medical facilities. Despite promises from the Taliban government to provide support, only a fraction of promised homes have been constructed, leaving many in dire conditions and at risk, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
Concerns are mounting among students following the Taliban’s recent decision to suspend operations at seven private universities and revoke licenses of two others, citing administrative violations. As students fear for their academic futures, officials indicate that universities were previously warned about these issues. This move underscores broader challenges within Afghanistan’s education system, particularly for girls who continue to face restrictions in accessing education.
Monday, 17 August , 2026
In a sobering announcement, the United Nations has revealed that 2.4 million Afghan girls are currently barred from secondary and higher education under Taliban governance. This alarming statistic marks five years of systemic barriers to girls’ education in Afghanistan, raising serious concerns over women’s rights and the nation’s future progress.
Sunday, 16 August , 2026
On the fifth anniversary of their takeover, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid asserted that Afghanistan will resist any threats to its sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of unity among Afghans and highlighted the government’s efforts to improve foreign relations and enhance economic stability, encouraging those abroad to return to their homeland without fear.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026
As Afghanistan marks five years under Taliban rule, cinemas remain closed, highlighting a grave impact on the film industry and leaving citizens disheartened. Activists emphasize the importance of cinema for education and entertainment, as filmmakers face insurmountable challenges without any response from the Ministry of Information and Culture. The future of a once-thriving industry hangs in the balance, prompting calls for the reopening of cinemas.
Saturday, 15 August , 2026
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, has clarified that the EU’s engagement with the Taliban is not a form of legitimization. Emphasizing human rights, she outlined that future recognition of the group’s governance hinges on their compliance with international standards and the establishment of an inclusive government. The EU also pledged €10 million to support humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, addressing the urgent needs of millions amid ongoing economic challenges.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, grave restrictions on education and employment for women and girls have led to a humanitarian crisis. With 2.2 million Afghan girls denied secondary education and significant hardships for women-led families, the socio-economic landscape of the country remains perilous. Global calls for change continue as the world watches the ongoing challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
Afghan youth are confronting dire unemployment rates, leading to significant economic and mental health challenges that strain their social and familial bonds. A staggering 78% of young women are without jobs or education, while men face a 20% unemployment rate. Despite the Taliban’s promises of vocational training programs, many young people express despair and isolation as they search for opportunities in a stifling job market.
Friday, 14 August , 2026
As the Taliban regime reaches its fifth anniversary, the Afghan Independent Media Support Foundation, Nai, reveals a grim picture of media repression, citing the death of six journalists and over 700 incidents of violence against reporters. The situation for women in media has drastically worsened, with the number of female journalists plummeting from 1,800 to under 100. Nai highlights the severe restrictions on press freedom, warning that critical voices are being silenced.
Thursday, 13 August , 2026
In a significant development, the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees revealed that approximately 8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan over the past five years. Despite this influx, economic difficulties and a lack of job opportunities pose serious concerns for many returnees. The minister attributed part of this trend to efforts aimed at achieving Taliban goals, as the international community anticipates an additional 3 million returns by year-end.
Thursday, 13 August , 2026
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) condemns the U.S. for failing to uphold its commitments to Afghan partners, revealing that only three Afghans were resettled in the U.S. in the fiscal year 2026. With ongoing delays in the Special Immigrant Visa process and new restrictions under a potential Trump administration, many Afghan allies remain in jeopardy.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026The rise of religious schools in Afghanistan has significantly limited access to modern education, prompting concerns among students and educators alike. With approximately 21,000 religious schools now operational, many students express their dissatisfaction, as they are unable to pursue careers in fields like medicine and engineering. As educational options dwindle, the plight of young learners continues to highlight the urgent need for a more balanced curriculum.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
The Norwegian Refugee Council has revealed a stark 70% reduction in humanitarian aid funding for Afghanistan, plunging from $3.3 billion in 2022 to just $1 billion by 2025. This alarming cut coincides with the return of over 6 million Afghans, many of whom now face unemployment and dire living conditions. The Council’s Secretary General calls for the international community to boost long-term investments and support initiatives to alleviate the worsening situation.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
Recent Taliban-imposed restrictions in Herat have sparked significant anxiety among women and their families, complicating access to essential services. Reports of over 30 women being detained for not adhering to hijab standards have raised concerns about escalating fears of arrest, while activists warn that ongoing limitations threaten women’s education and employment opportunities.
Wednesday, 12 August , 2026
In a recent interview, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai underscored the critical role of girls’ education in shaping a better future for Afghanistan. He called for the immediate resumption of girls’ schooling, framing it as a pressing demand from the Afghan populace and a non-political issue. Karzai also acknowledged the Taliban as part of the nation’s fabric and emphasized the importance of unity among all Afghans, while attributing the previous government’s collapse to U.S. policy missteps.
Tuesday, 11 August , 2026
A new report by Reporters Without Borders highlights the dire state of media freedom in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s ongoing suppression has transformed the country into an ‘information prison.’ With over 20 decrees restricting press activities, journalists face harsh penalties for dissent, and many have fled the country to escape persecution. The situation raises urgent concerns about the future of free expression in Afghanistan.
Tuesday, 11 August , 2026
In a continuing nationwide effort to repatriate undocumented foreigners, Pakistani authorities have expelled over 140,000 Afghan refugees from Punjab. This brings the total number of Afghan refugees expelled from the country to approximately 2.68 million, with the Punjab Home Department emphasizing the enforcement of residency regulations. Afghan nationals without valid documents are being housed in temporary centers until their repatriation to Taliban officials at the Torkham border.
Tuesday, 11 August , 2026
As Afghanistan marks five years since the Taliban’s return, the harsh reality unfolds for Afghan women, particularly breadwinners, who have been severely impacted by job losses and growing employment barriers. With a staggering 60,000 women forced out of the workforce, the emotional and economic toll is evident, as many like Ms. Mohammadi, who relied on their businesses, contend with despair and limited opportunities amid ongoing Taliban restrictions.
Monday, 10 August , 2026
In its latest report, the International Committee of the Red Cross reveals that more than 615,000 patients received essential healthcare services at 47 medical centers across Afghanistan from January to June 2023. This significant outreach highlights the urgent need for ongoing medical support in the region, with specialized rehabilitation services also benefiting over 105,000 disabled individuals.
Sunday, 9 August , 2026