Afghanistan - August 2024

On 21 August, the Taliban codified into law requirements that women cover their faces in public, not leave the house without male accompaniment and other measures, many of which had already been implemented since the Taliban had taken control of the government. The “Law on Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” marks the first time that the Taliban has put such repressive practices into law, thereby formalizing and expanding the scope of these restrictions. The new law targets both women and men, although women's rights are especially affected. Experts say this is a next step by the Taliban to further cement its interpretation of Sharia law and take direct control of private conduct.

Sources: Afghanistan Analysts Network, The Diplomat, Reuters, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty