19/11/2023
Afghanistan, Asia's most vulnerable country to modern slavery, faces an escalating crisis following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. The Taliban's harsh interpretation of Islamic law has led to increased violence and the erosion of rights for vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Ongoing conflicts, extreme poverty, food insecurity, and displacement have worsened, putting more Afghans at risk of modern slavery.
Forced Labour Exploitation: Afghanistan grapples with widespread debt bo***ge and forced labour, with children often working in hazardous conditions. Since the Taliban's rule, over a third of Afghan children have been forced into work, primarily in domestic labour, carpet weaving, salt mining, and brickmaking. Entire families find themselves trapped in bonded labour in brick kilns.
Child Exploitation: Disturbingly, Afghanistan has seen an increase in the commercial sexual exploitation of boys, notably in the practice of 'bacha bazi'. Wealthy men exploit boys as young as nine, with some reports linking authorities to these practices.
Forced Marriage: Forced and child marriages are widespread in Afghanistan, driven by economic hardship and the Taliban's restrictions. Parents are increasingly marrying off their daughters, and in some cases, even exchanging them for protection or financial gain.
Children in Armed Conflict: Both before and after the Taliban's takeover, children were recruited as soldiers. While verified numbers reduced in 2021, the situation remains uncertain due to limited access for humanitarian workers.
Vulnerability: Afghanistan's vulnerability to modern slavery is amplified by prolonged conflict, poverty, food insecurity, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Marginalised groups, especially women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals, face heightened risks.
