15/08/2026
Five years have passed since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, a dark period that has brought profound political, humanitarian and human rights crises, while leaving millions facing an uncertain future.
On 14 August, the Massoud Foundation Australia, in partnership with the Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI) at Western Sydney University organised a forum titled “Afghanistan Five Years Under Taliban Rule: Human Rights, International Responsibility, and Future Prospects”. The forum brought together political leaders, human rights advocates, academics, diplomats, civil society members and community representatives.
Mark Coure MP ,Richard Bennett, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, and Professor Jason Pandya-Wood Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Professor of Social Policy at Western Sydney University, addressed the ongoing human rights crisis and called on the international community to take meaningful action and hold the Taliban accountable.
The panel discussion, facilitated by Professor Nichole Georgeou, the founder of HADRI and featuring Dr Nasir Andisha, Nigara Mirdad, Maryam Zahid, Wahid Waissi and Parisa Sekandari, explored a range of critical issues, including the systematic oppression of women and girls, gender apartheid, the humanitarian situation, international humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the continuing violations of fundamental human rights, the current development and the role of diaspora and civil society.
Organising this forum was an important responsibility for us, not only to remember what has happened over the past five years, but also to ensure that the voices of the Afghanistan people, particularly women and girls, continue to be heard.
Five years on, Afghanistan must not be forgotten. Human rights, dignity, justice and accountability must remain at the centre of the international response.
The Massoud Foundation Australia sincerely thanks all distinguished speakers, panellists, guests, volunteers, partners and everyone who contributed to making this important and meaningful forum possible.
