Source: Amnesty International –
Responding to the Taliban de facto authorities’ imposition of a total internet shutdown across Afghanistan under the pretext of preventing the “misuse of internet” and spread of “immoral acts,” Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for South Asia said:
“The nationwide internet shutdown by the Taliban de-facto authorities is a reckless move that will have far-reaching consequences for delivery of aid, access to healthcare and other essential services at a time when Afghanistan is facing multiple humanitarian crises impacting almost half the population.
“Communication and access to information are critical tools for protection and promotion of human rights and by tightening their chokehold on the flow of information, the Taliban de-facto authorities are making sure that the world doesn’t get to know about the ongoing violations inside the country.
Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for South Asia
“Moreover, with women and girls in Afghanistan banned from schools beyond primary level, internet access is critical for their education. This shutdown disrupts their ability to learn and cannot be justified under any circumstances. A total shutdown of this nature is inherently disproportionate and would fly in the face of international human rights standards. The Taliban must restore full connectivity immediately.”