Zan News: Following two traffic accidents in the provinces of Bamyan and Nangarhar, five people have died and six others have been injured. Five Dead and Six Injured in Two Traffic Accidents in Bamyan and Nangarhar July 17, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Following two traffic accidents in the provinces of Bamyan and Nangarhar, five people have died and six others have been injured. In the first accident, which occurred yesterday morning Tuesday (July 16) in the "Dahan Ahangaran" area of central Bamyan, a Corolla car traveling from Ghor to Kabul hit an electric pole, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuries to three women and a child. Taliban police in Bamyan cited excessive speed and driver negligence as the cause of the accident. In the second accident, which occurred at 4:00 PM yesterday on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway in the Mahipar area, a Corolla car collided with a "trailer" truck, resulting in the deaths of two women and injuries to two other people. An eyewitness stated that the victims of this accident were members of a family traveling from Jalalabad to Kabul. It is worth noting that traffic accidents in the country have increased in recent days. Early yesterday morning, an overturned bus in Baghlan resulted in 17 deaths and 34 injuries.

Zan News: Local sources in Baghlan province have reported that a young girl in the province was killed by her husband just two days after her wedding. Social Media Murder of a New Bride by Her Husband in Baghlan February 8, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Local sources in Baghlan province have reported that a young girl in the province was killed by her husband just two days after her wedding. Sources on Saturday (8 February) stated that the incident occurred three days ago in the Jarkhushk area, part of central Baghlan district. Meanwhile, medical sources at the central hospital in Baghlan have confirmed that the girl, originally a resident of Kunduz province, was strangled to death by her husband. The motive behind the murder is still unclear, and local Taliban officials in Baghlan have not commented on the matter. This incident comes just one week after a newlywed bride committed suicide in Kandahar province. It is worth noting that since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, domestic violence and suicide rates among girls and women have risen alarmingly.

Zan News: Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, stated in a message on the "International Day of Women in Diplomacy" that without the inclusion of women in discussions about Afghanistan's future, there can be no solution to the country's challenges. Rina Amiri: Without Women's Participation in Discussions on Afghanistan's Future, There Is No Solution to the Country's Challenges June 26, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, stated in a message on the "International Day of Women in Diplomacy" that without the inclusion of women in discussions about Afghanistan's future, there can be no solution to the country's challenges. In her message posted on social media platform X, Ms. Amiri wrote: "There is no solution to Afghanistan’s peace, security, and sustainability challenges without Afghan women’s participation in discussions about the country’s future." Ms. Amiri's comments come at a time when women have been excluded from the third meeting of special representatives from various countries on Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take place next week in Doha. So far, special representatives from the U.S., including Rina Amiri herself, have not commented on the exclusion of women and civil society representatives from this meeting, which has faced widespread criticism. The meeting, hosted by the United Nations, is set to occur next Sunday and Monday, with only the Taliban invited to participate. The Taliban delegation will be led by the group's spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid. The exclusion of women from this meeting has drawn negative reactions from women's rights activists and human rights organizations, who are calling for a boycott of the meeting. Recently, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that the main goal of the meeting is the full integration of Afghanistan into the international community and the country's adherence to international commitments, especially regarding human rights and the rights of women and girls.

Zan News: Local sources in Takhar province report that a 55-year-old woman named Gul Bibi has died after being beaten by Taliban fighters in the Darqad district of the province. Death of a 55-Year-Old Woman in Takhar After Beating by the Taliban November 4, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Local sources in Takhar province report that a 55-year-old woman named Gul Bibi has died after being beaten by Taliban fighters in the Darqad district of the province. These sources confirmed on Sunday (November 3) that Gul Bibi was beaten on the orders of Umar Farooq, the Taliban police chief in the Darqad district. According to these sources, Gul Bibi, along with three other women, was severely beaten by the Taliban following a dispute over land. Local sources specify that these women faced violence after resisting the Taliban's attempt to seize their land. During the confrontation, Gul Bibi lost consciousness and, after two days in the hospital in Kunduz province, passed away. According to available information, following this incident, some residents of Darqad, Takhar, who intended to protest, were threatened by Taliban fighters. The Taliban have not yet commented on the killing of this woman. Since regaining control over Afghanistan, this group has continuously harassed and, in some cases, killed citizens.

Zan News - Baghlan: The Taliban security command in Baghlan province has reported a traffic accident in the Khost and Farang district of this province. The incident resulted in the deaths of 6 people, including 3 women, and injured two children and another woman. A Traffic Accident in Baghlan Claimed the Lives of 6 People, Including 3 Women June 26, 2024 Zan News Zan News - Baghlan: The Taliban security command in Baghlan province has reported a traffic accident in the Khost and Farang district of this province. The incident resulted in the deaths of 6 people, including 3 women, and injured two children and another woman. Shir Ahmad Burhani, spokesperson for the Taliban security command in Baghlan, stated that the accident occurred before noon on Tuesday (25 June) in the "Kotal Sachi" area of Khost and Farang district. According to him, a "Fielder" type vehicle traveling from Khost and Farang towards Pol-e Khomri city veered off the road and overturned. Local sources have reported that a young man named Imad al-Haq, along with his parents, are among the fatalities of this accident. The Taliban security command in Baghlan added that the injured have been transferred to the central clinic of Khost and Farang district. The exact cause of the accident is still unclear, but factors such as driver negligence, road defects, and lack of traffic signs could have played a role in such incidents. It is worth noting that traffic accidents in Afghanistan claim the lives of hundreds annually and leave hundreds more injured or disabled.

Zan News: A mother in Nangarhar province has put her two young daughters up for sale due to severe economic hardships and increasing poverty. Photo: 8 AM Newspaper Mother in Nangarhar Puts Two Daughters Up for Sale Due to Poverty August 21, 2024 Abdullah Naseri Zan News: A mother in Nangarhar province has put her two young daughters up for sale due to severe economic hardships and increasing poverty. Rahmina, the mother of the two children, told the media on Tuesday (August 20th) that her husband was injured and later paralyzed as a result of a traffic accident. She mentioned that her family has 10 members and lives in a poor neighborhood in the 6th district of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar. According to Rahmina, she spent 500,000 Afghanis on her husband's treatment, and now the family is struggling with severe financial problems. She pleaded with the Taliban and local merchants to help her so she wouldn't have to sell her children. Rahmina added that she has repeatedly approached Taliban aid agencies but has not received any assistance so far. The Taliban have not commented on the matter yet. It is worth noting that since the Taliban came to power, poverty in Afghanistan has increased to unprecedented levels, and millions of people are facing severe economic difficulties. The sale of children in Afghanistan, especially under the current conditions, highlights the depth of the humanitarian crisis in the country.

Zan News: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that during the past year, it distributed cash assistance to 400,000 vulnerable families in Afghanistan. © UNICEF/UNI482373/Khan UNICEF: Cash Assistance Provided to 400,000 Afghan Families Last Year April 21, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that during the past year, it distributed cash assistance to 400,000 vulnerable families in Afghanistan. In a message published on Monday, April 21, the organization stated that cash assistance, especially in emergency situations, has proven effective and played an important role in supporting vulnerable households. According to UNICEF, cash support allows families to make their own decisions and meet their immediate needs. This comes as UN-affiliated agencies have warned that due to declining global aid, around three million children in Afghanistan may face the risk of malnutrition this year.

Zan News: A number of Afghan citizens residing in Canada have protested in Toronto against the "genocide" of Hazaras and Shias in Afghanistan, calling for an end to the "genocide" of Hazaras in the country. Afghan Citizens in Canada Protest Against Hazara Genocide September 23, 2024 Zan News Zan News: A number of Afghan citizens residing in Canada have protested in Toronto against the "genocide" of Hazaras and Shias in Afghanistan, calling for an end to the "genocide" of Hazaras in the country. The protest, held on Sunday (September 22), was attended by civil activists and Canadian human rights organizations. The protesters expressed concern over the recent killings in Daikundi province and what they described as the ongoing "genocide" of Hazaras, condemning the atrocities. In a resolution released by the protesters, they called for immediate and decisive international action in response to the recent killings in Daikundi province. It is worth noting that on (September 12), 14 residents of the village "Qariodal" in the Sangtakht and Bandar district of Daikundi province were killed by armed individuals in the border area with Ghor province. The ISIS group claimed responsibility for the attack. The protesters pointed out that since 2001, over 294 violent incidents targeting Hazaras have been recorded, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,228 people and injuries to 2,837 others. The resolution stated that the situation has worsened since the Taliban's return to power, with over 30 major attacks, including seven this year alone, against Hazaras. These attacks have claimed the lives of more than 560 people and injured 700 others. The protesters emphasized that for the past 130 years, the Hazara people have faced ongoing persecution and genocide due to their ethnic and religious identity. They called on the Canadian government, the international community, and human rights organizations to recognize and condemn the ongoing genocide against Hazaras in Afghanistan. They also demanded immediate action in accordance with international law to protect the Hazara people and prevent further atrocities. The resolution further urged the Canadian government and the international community to avoid normalizing relations with the Taliban and to use all available means to hold the Taliban accountable for human rights violations. The protesters also requested the Canadian government to support an independent investigation by the United Nations into the human rights situation of Hazaras and to endorse a resolution for their swift protection.

Zan News: United Nations experts, including Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, have praised the participation of Afghan women athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics in a letter sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They have also called for increased support and additional resources for these athletes. Photo: Hannah Peters/POOL/AFP UN Praises Participation Afghan Women Athletes at Paris Olympics and Calls for More Support for them August 10, 2024 Zan News Zan News: United Nations experts, including Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, have praised the participation of Afghan women athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics in a letter sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They have also called for increased support and additional resources for these athletes. The letter states that international sports organizations should challenge the Taliban's "oppressive" policies and support Afghan women athletes wherever they are. Experts urged international sports bodies to avoid any actions that could be seen as complicity with the Taliban's "discriminatory and illegal" policies. While praising the "gender-balanced composition" of the Afghan team at the Paris Olympics as a positive development, they noted that the committee needs to take further actions. The UN experts emphasized that the Taliban have prohibited Afghan women and girls from participating in all sports for nearly three years, which is an unacceptable violation of their rights. The letter describes this ban as part of the Taliban's entrenched system of gender discrimination and oppression, which may constitute a crime against humanity. It is further stated that despite this ban, Afghan women athletes in exile are competing as part of the Afghan team and the refugee team at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, due to the the positive intervention of the IOC. The UN experts stated: "It is essential that Afghanistan's inspiring and talented female athletes are seen at the pinnacle of sports in Paris and other competitions, especially when they have been excluded from public life in their own country." The letter reminds sports organizations of their responsibilities under the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Olympic Charter, and expresses concern that some IOC members may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their organizational commitments regarding equal and non-discriminatory participation for women and girls. This is while that seven Afghan women athletes, all of them are in exile, participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics—three in the Afghan team and four in the refugee team. The Afghan Olympic team for Paris consists of three male and three female athletes, formed by the IOC in consultation with former officials of the Afghan Olympic Committee. The Taliban have announced that they do not recognize the female member of this team and consider only the three male athletes as representatives of Afghanistan.

Zan News: The Women’s Movement "Window of Hope" has called on the people of Afghanistan, the world free population, feminist movements, human rights organizations, and advocates of human rights to rise up and fight against global terrorism on August 15. Women’s Movement "Window of Hope": Uprising and Struggle Against Global Terrorism on August 15 July 22, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Women’s Movement "Window of Hope" has called on the people of Afghanistan, the world free population, feminist movements, human rights organizations, and advocates of human rights to rise up and fight against global terrorism on August 15. In this call to action, published on Monday (July 22), it states: "We, the members of the Women’s Movement 'Window of Hope,' cry out from the depths of the human rights crisis and raise our voices: Stand with the women of Afghanistan with all your might!" The call continues: "Our audience includes the people of Afghanistan, the world free population, feminist movements, human rights organizations, and advocates of human rights. Let us once again honor the status of humanity and human rights values by standing firm and fighting against the systematic violation of women’s human rights, thereby reviving human rights values in Afghanistan." Further, the call to action states: "We are approaching the third anniversary of the country’s surrender to terrorists. Over the past three years, Afghanistan has become a complete hell for the people, especially women and ethnic and religious minorities. Ninety percent of the population struggles with severe poverty." The call by the Women’s Movement "Window of Hope" highlights: "Terrorist groups have expanded their activities under the shadow of the illegitimate Taliban government, and there is no guarantee for regional and global security." The call concludes: "Renewing our strength to fight, uniting against Taliban oppression, and committing to saving the people is our key to success. Let us all stand together against the terrorist monster, shout for freedom from Taliban captivity, and prevent the gender apartheid from burying Afghan women alive." This call comes amid the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan, especially for women, since the Taliban's return to power on August 15, 2021. Since coming to power, the Taliban have stripped many rights and freedoms from women. Afghan women are currently deprived of their rights to education, work, travel, and participation in political and social life. There are also numerous reports of violence against women, including murder, rape, and forced marriage, in Afghanistan. The international community has repeatedly criticized the Taliban for human rights violations in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban have so far ignored these criticisms.