The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan and the UN Special Procedures have strongly condemned the Taliban’s increasing use of judicially sanctioned corporal punishment. According to the statement, 2025 has witnessed a sharp rise in public floggings of men and women—reportedly higher than in all previous years combined since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. The punishments, often carried out in public spaces, have raised serious concerns among international observers and human rights organizations.
Violation of International Human Rights Law
UN experts emphasized that such punishments violate international human rights law and undermine fundamental principles of human dignity and physical integrity. They warned that corporal punishment, especially when conducted publicly and without transparent legal procedures, may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The statement stressed that punishments carried out without due process cannot be considered justice, regardless of the legal framework cited by authorities.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The United Nations has urged the Taliban authorities to immediately halt the use of corporal punishment and align their judicial practices with international legal standards. Human rights advocates argue that the continuation of such measures further isolates Afghanistan from the global community and deepens the country’s humanitarian and diplomatic challenges. The UN reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and advocating for the protection of basic human rights for all Afghans, particularly vulnerable groups who may be disproportionately affected by these practices.
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