United Nations: Afghanistan's new internet restrictions violate human rights

Elaha Sat Oct 2025 1 month ago 110

This warning comes one week after the Taliban lifted a nationwide telecommunications blackout, a measure that had previously been imposed across Afghanistan.


On October 7, the Taliban restricted access to popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. This action was taken following a two-day nationwide telecommunications blackout starting on September 29.


UN experts emphasize that these restrictions, although temporarily and selectively applied through filtering, are clearly part of a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to control public discourse and manage social behavior in Afghanistan.


The experts have warned that blocking or restricting access to social media and the internet severely limits the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and free access to information, while also obstructing vital communication channels. Such actions could isolate Afghan citizens from the global community and hinder their ability to connect with the international community.


They further added: “Communication restrictions will not only significantly undermine Afghanistan’s commercial and economic activities but will also have negative impacts on the country’s fragile economy, likely exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in the current critical situation.”


The experts believe that women and girls will be the most affected by these restrictions. Many of them heavily rely on online platforms for education, employment, business opportunities, and participation in virtual social spaces. They emphasized that these restrictions may lead to a deterioration in the mental health of women and girls.


Ultimately, the UN experts stressed: “Any attempt to restrict freedom of expression and silence the voices of the Afghan people not only undermines efforts to hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable but may also create conditions for the continuation of human rights abuses in the absence of oversight and accountability.”


The experts have called on Taliban authorities to immediately restore full access to the internet and refrain from imposing any additional restrictions that violate civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

United Nations experts have warned in a statement that new restrictions on access to the internet and social media in Afghanistan constitute a serious violation of human rights and the fundamental freedoms of the people of this country.

ilaha

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