Overview

• 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.