Afghan Policewomen Face Taliban Threats and Past Abuse

Former Afghan policewomen are at risk from both Taliban authorities and their own families, following years of unchecked abuse under the previous government.

• Human Rights Watch reports that former Afghan policewomen are living in fear due to threats from the Taliban and violence from families opposed to their past roles.
• These women suffered sexual harassment and assault by male colleagues during the previous government, with no accountability for the perpetrators.
• Many former policewomen have gone into hiding or fled to neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan to escape Taliban retribution.
• Countries that supported Afghan policewomen, such as the US, Canada, and EU nations, are urged to prioritize them for asylum and resettlement.
• Psychological trauma from past abuse and current threats is widespread among these women, yet access to mental health support is limited.

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The Independent The Globe and Mail Human Rights Watch