Five years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, there remains almost no public information on whether soldiers, police, and morality officers who abuse their power face any consequences. This secrecy is eroding public trust in the State, the United Nations said on Monday, August 10, 2026.
According to a new report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the Taliban have implemented some measures to promote discipline and oversight. However, these efforts lack sufficient transparency, particularly regarding institutions such as the Supreme Court.
UNAMA's findings reviewed bodies including the Security and Filtration Commission and the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which operate under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia Law, replacing the former democratic constitution.
Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA, stated, “The limited amount of public information on complaints received, investigations conducted and disciplinary or judicial actions taken by relevant de facto bodies undermine confidence and weaken deterrence.” She also noted that the suspension of the constitution has led to “a blanket annulment of all former [existing] laws.”
The UN report emphasizes that improving accountability is a legal obligation of the de facto authorities and a necessary step toward better governance and respect for human rights. Such improvements would support Afghanistan’s stability and its compliance with international obligations, forming a basis for reintegration into the international community.
Despite the Taliban's takeover, grave concerns persist regarding human rights violations, detention practices, and discrimination against women and girls. These issues continue to be raised consistently by UN agencies and partners, including UN Women and the Security Council.
Since the Taliban's rise to power, UNAMA has monitored governance, rule of law, security, and human rights developments across Afghanistan, including changes in domestic law, the criminal justice system, and respect for victims’ rights.
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