UN Warns Against Taliban’s Internet Restrictions in Afghanistan
A group of United Nations human rights experts has issued a statement condemning the Taliban administration’s recent actions to restrict access to the internet and social media platforms in Afghanistan as a blatant violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The experts warned that these restrictions are part of an intentional strategy to suppress public discourse, censor information, and impose specific behavioral patterns on society. According to them, these actions not only undermine the right to freedom of expression but also sever communication between citizens and their family members abroad.
Following a two-day nationwide internet and telecommunications blackout, the Taliban administration has limited access to popular platforms such as Facebook and Instagram since October 7. Experts say these decisions further weaken vital communication channels in a country with fragile information infrastructure.
The UN statement cautioned that the continuation of these conditions negatively impacts other fundamental rights, including access to healthcare services, education, and employment opportunities. Especially in a country like Afghanistan, already grappling with poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, such measures risk deepening existing crises.
The UN experts particularly emphasized that women and girls are most vulnerable, as many depend on online platforms for education, earning income, and social participation. Their deprivation from these virtual spaces could create additional barriers to their social and economic involvement.
The statement stressed that, according to Afghanistan’s human rights commitments, the Taliban administration is obliged to adhere to international legal principles, and any restrictions must be lawful, purpose-driven, and proportionate.
The UN experts also noted that silencing citizens paves the way for ongoing human rights violations without oversight or accountability—a move with irreversible consequences for the country’s future.
