The ongoing repercussions of decades of conflict in Afghanistan have left civilians grappling with profound hardships. A recent report from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) highlights the enduring psychological, physical, and economic scars borne by victims, many of whom have little access to justice or compensation. The report, which includes interviews with 195 conflict victims, reveals that a staggering 95 percent suffer from psychological or emotional harm, with 58 percent experiencing physical injuries. Many face chronic pain and disabilities, exacerbating their challenges in education and employment, while women who have been widowed face additional economic constraints under restrictive policies introduced by Afghanistan’s current authorities.
Accountability for these injuries remains elusive. A significant portion of those interviewed have refrained from pursuing formal redress due to fears of retaliation and distrust in the system. Among those who did seek justice, over half voiced their frustration at the barriers to accountability, which include bureaucratic hurdles and perceived institutional neglect. The broader context of Afghanistan’s instability, marked by political and economic upheaval, droughts, and the recent pandemic, further compounds these challenges, impacting victims’ ability to recover and risking the intergenerational perpetuation of trauma.
Afghanistan’s current socio-political climate, shaped by the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, complicates the situation. After their initial rise to power in the mid-1990s, the Taliban was overthrown in 2001 but resurged following a peace agreement that led to the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Since regaining control, the Taliban administration has imposed stringent laws, especially affecting women’s rights, intensifying economic hardships, and exacerbating the nation’s humanitarian crises. A comprehensive exploration of this development can be found here.
Efforts to improve the situation include initiatives by various international bodies and NGOs, advocating for better legal frameworks and support systems for victims. However, the limited resources available mean many in Afghanistan remain without the necessary support to address their traumas. As the country navigates its evolving landscape, the need for robust mechanisms to ensure justice and redress for victims of war remains critical.