Violence Against Women and Legal Punishment in the Taliban Penal Code

Once again, the latest developments in Afghanistan deeply shock and concern us.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, they have been gradually restricting the rights of girls and women step by step. Education, work, and freedom of movement many of these rights are now either denied to women or severely limited.

But just when it seems that things cannot get any worse, another shocking piece of news emerges:

A newly leaked penal code effectively assigns women a status resembling that of slavery. It allows men to punish their wives with severe physical violence.

Only when bones are broken or visible bruises appear on the body does the perpetrator face any punishment and even then, a maximum of just 15 days in prison.

For affected women, it is nearly impossible to report such violence,

as they must be accompanied by their husband in order to appear in court.

It is incomprehensible to us why the international community is not responding.

It seems as though the world has become accustomed to the Taliban even as they increasingly and openly violate international rules and human rights standards.

What is needed now is diplomatic pressure and financial support for programs run by human rights organizations programs that document violence against women, provide legal advice, and support those affected.

All the more important, therefore, is to continue paying close attention and reporting on the situation in Afghanistan.

Source: SRF