Taliban Internet Shutdown in Afghanistan Causes Severe Human Rights Impacts, UN Warns

The Taliban's nationwide internet shutdown in Afghanistan has sparked grave concerns from multiple international human rights organizations due to its severe impact on human rights, particularly affecting women and girls. The blackout, which began in mid-September and rapidly expanded to cover the entire country including Kabul, has disrupted education, healthcare, commerce, banking, and vital humanitarian operations, pushing Afghanistan's fragile economy toward collapse. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the shutdown, highlighting how it deprives millions of Afghans of access to essential services and information, while also isolating women and girls who are already barred from many public life aspects, including education beyond the primary level. The UN Special Rapporteur and the UN human rights office have both emphasized the "extremely serious" human rights ramifications of the blackout, urging the Taliban to restore internet connectivity immediately. The shutdown has also hindered journalists and activists, limiting the world's awareness of ongoing human rights violations in Afghanistan. Overall, the international community is being called upon to take the Taliban's actions seriously and push for the restoration of full internet access to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.