Human Rights Watch notes that since the capture of Kabul on August 15, 2021, the Taliban authorities have imposed severe restrictions on the rights of women and girls, suppressed the media, and arbitrarily detained, tortured, and executed critics and perceived opponents, among other violations committed by them,” emphasizing that “ The human rights violations committed by the Taliban have drawn widespread condemnation and jeopardized international efforts to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.”

The organization said in a statement that “the Taliban’s terrible human rights record and unwillingness to do business seriously with international financial institutions have added to their isolation,” stressing that “foreign governments should ease restrictions placed on the country’s banking sector to ease legitimate economic activities” and humanitarian aid, but the Taliban must also crack down on human rights violations and hold those responsible to account.”

The Taliban-led Afghan interim government came to power last fall after the withdrawal of US troops from the country and the fall of the US-backed government.