The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The human rights situation in Afghanistan sharply deteriorated in 2025, with a significant increase in violations of fundamental rights, particularly the right to life, arbitrary detentions, and widespread restrictions on women, according to a report by Rawadari.
In its report released on Wednesday, March 25, the organization said at least 1,154 people were killed or injured in 2025 due to explosive attacks, suicide bombings, Pakistani airstrikes, landmine explosions, and targeted and extrajudicial killings. Of these, 617 were killed and 537 injured.
The report noted that violations of the right to life increased by about 50 percent compared to 2024 and nearly 49 percent compared to 2023.
It also said at least 611 people were deliberately or mysteriously killed or injured by the Taliban or unidentified individuals during the year, marking a sharp rise compared to previous years.
According to the findings, most victims were former government employees, civil society activists, journalists, protesters, tribal elders, and individuals accused of cooperating with anti-Taliban groups. Methods of killing reportedly included shootings, use of sharp weapons, beheadings, and burnings.
The report further documented at least 2,559 cases of arbitrary and unlawful detention in 2025, double the number recorded in 2024 and four times higher than in 2023. Most of these detentions were reportedly carried out by Taliban intelligence agencies and morality enforcement bodies.
Rawadari added that following the enforcement of the morality law, arrests of women in public spaces increased significantly, with many detained for extended periods without access to basic rights.
The report stated that at least 77 civil society activists and human rights defenders, including seven women, were detained by the Taliban in 2025. It also documented that at least 11 individuals died in detention in Taliban-controlled prisons due to torture.
In another section, the report said Taliban courts carried out at least six qisas (retribution) executions and issued a stoning sentence against a woman in 2025.
Additionally, at least 857 people, including 114 women, were subjected to flogging on various charges, representing an increase of more than 63 percent compared to 2024.
The report also highlighted the impact of the morality law on personal freedoms and women’s rights, identifying it as a key factor behind the intensification of restrictions throughout 2025.
