APF condemns Taliban decision to dissolve Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) strongly condemns the recent decision by Taliban authorities to dissolve the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), the country’s key human rights watchdog. 

The AIHRC has been a member of the APF since 2005 and has been at the forefront of human rights protection in Afghanistan. Despite many challenges and targeted attacks, AIHRC staff have remained staunch advocates for the people of Afghanistan, monitoring and investigating serious allegations of human rights violations and advocating for the rights of all Afghans, including women, girls, and marginalised groups. 

Since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, the AIHRC has continued in office but has been unable to carry out its work. With the human rights situation continuing to deteriorate, the decision by the Taliban to dissolve the Commission entirely is a further blow to the people of Afghanistan. 

We express grave concerns for all Afghans, including those at particular risk of human rights violations, such as human rights defenders, journalists, women and girls, and people from marginalised communities. Without an independent, credible and adequately-resourced national human rights institution, there remain few avenues for Afghans to seek protection of their human rights.

Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM
Chairperson, Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. 

Date: 19 May 2022