Their Stories, Our Duty: The State of Prisons and Prisoners in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed a steep and alarming decline in human rights protections, particularly within detention facilities across the country. The situation is characterized by systematic torture, ill-treatment, and the denial of fundamental rights.

Firsthand testimonies—gathered by Human Rights Defenders Plus (HRD+) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)—reveal a grim picture of widespread abuses. Victims have described severe physical and psychological torture, including beatings, electric shocks, and verbal threats. Women detainees have disclosed deeply disturbing accounts of sexual violence, including rape. These abuses disproportionately affect ethnic and religious minorities, political opponents, and human rights defenders.

Conditions inside detention centers remain dire: overcrowded and unsanitary cells, inadequate nutrition, lack of medical care, and limited access to legal representation or family contact. Legal proceedings, where they exist at all, are often devoid of due process. Post-release, victims frequently face intimidation, surveillance, and threats—silencing their voices and reinforcing impunity.

These violations not only breach Afghanistan’s obligations under the UN Convention against Torture (CAT) and its Optional Protocol (OPCAT)—to which the country remains a State Party—but also demand a firm and coordinated international response.

Objectives of the Launch

The launch event seeks to raise awareness and foster high-level dialogue on the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan’s detention system. The objectives are:

To present key findings from the joint report by OMCT and HRD+ on torture and detention conditions in Afghanistan.
To underline the urgent need for an independent international accountability mechanism to document abuses and ensure justice.
To mobilize international action and encourage the UN Human Rights Council and its Member States to establish such mechanisms and provide support for survivors and defenders.

English & Dari
Interpretation available: EN / DARI