Religious Freedom and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

This report highlights the deterioration of religious freedom conditions in Afghanistan in the two years since the Taliban takeover of the country. Through a series of edicts, decrees, and circular letters, the Taliban have systematically restricted the religious freedom of all Afghans, including those with differing interpretations of Islam, but these restrictions have disproportionately impacted women. This report analyzes the implication of these edicts on Afghan women and religious minorities, including bans on education, employment, and freedom of movement. It also highlights the trends and structural changes put in place by Taliban officials in applying their strict interpretation of Sunni Islam.