The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says it has documented multiple cases of human rights violations against members of Afghanistan’s former defense and security forces and officials of the previous government.
According to UNAMA, between April 1 and June 30, at least 29 cases of arrest and detention involving former security personnel and officials were documented. The mission also recorded five cases of ill-treatment and torture and eight cases involving the killing of former members of Afghanistan’s defense and security forces during the same period.
UNAMA said former members of the Afghan forces and officials of the previous government continue to face risks of human rights violations, including after being forcibly returned to Afghanistan from other countries.
The report cited the case of a former Afghan National Army officer who was allegedly forcibly returned to Afghanistan by Iranian authorities. According to UNAMA, the former officer disappeared in Herat on the same day he was returned.
The mission said the officer’s family has so far received no information about his fate or possible place of detention.
The latest findings highlight continuing concerns over the treatment and safety of former Afghan security personnel and government officials. UNAMA has previously raised concerns about violations against former members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The mission continues to call attention to the protection of human rights in Afghanistan and the need for accountability in cases involving alleged violations.