Afghan Telecom Shutdown Causes Health, Banking, Women's Rights Crisis

A recent 48-hour nationwide telecommunications shutdown in Afghanistan, imposed by the Taliban, severely disrupted access to essential services, with devastating impacts documented by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The blackout delayed emergency medical care, leading to preventable deaths including a pregnant woman who lost her baby due to inability to call for ambulance services, and children who died from malnutrition and lack of timely medical interventions. The shutdown exacerbated existing restrictions on women, who rely on male guardians for travel and access to services, forcing some to undertake dangerous journeys alone. It also interrupted humanitarian operations, banking services, and small business activities, further destabilizing the population's daily life and economic survival. The report, based on over 100 interviews across 32 provinces, highlights how the telecommunications blackout compounded the hardships faced by Afghans and hindered emergency responses and critical supply chains. Healthcare workers expressed feelings of helplessness during the shutdown, underscoring the critical role of communication infrastructure in safeguarding lives and human rights in Afghanistan.