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UN representative urges Taliban to end child recruitment and recognize 18 as age of adulthood

UN rapporteur tells VOA rights situation is worsening in Afghanistan

A United Nations official told VOA the human rights situation in Afghanistan is getting worse, as a prestigious international affairs institute recognized Afghan women for their resistance to Taliban restrictions.

UN: 700 healthcare facilities expected to close in Afghanistan

The U.N. says that more than 40 percent of primary healthcare facilities, about 700 of Afghanistan’s 1,900 health posts, are expected to close between 2025 and 2026.

Midterm election defeats have not derailed US presidents' consequential foreign policies, historians tell VOA

With Democrats set to take control of both houses of the U.S. Congress in January from President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, he will start his final two years in office with weakened power at home. But history has shown that presidents whose parties suffered midterm defeats went on to make...

UN says about half of Afghan children out of school

After returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban banned girls’ secondary and tertiary education in Afghanistan, with primary education the only level of formal schooling accessible to girls. Despite this, girls' enrollment in primary schools remains lower than boys.

Polio vaccination campaign begins in Afghanistan, as cases surge

The Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health announced that the campaign, in coordination with international partners, would run from November 2 through November 5. The campaign will extend to the Southern Zone from November 3 through 6, and in the Logar Province from November 9 through 13.

UN reports sharp increase in opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan

Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 330 percent and opium production rose by 400 percent in 2026 compared to last year, according to a new survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

US calls for an immediate end to Taliban violations of Afghan women’s rights

U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce said, “Over the past five years, the Taliban have systematically reversed decades of hard-won progress on women’s participation in peace and security... These practices are unacceptable and must cease immediately.”

Pakistan defends attacks on Afghanistan, denies civilian casualties

The Afghan Taliban called Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan “an act of aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles.”

WHO reports six more polio cases in Afghanistan

The WHO said so far this year, 48 positive cases of the wild poliovirus have been registered globally, 42 of which are in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan.

US relations with Central Asia a priority, says Secretary Rubio

During the meeting with the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rubio pledged government and private sector cooperation, with the announcement of 54 agreements and proposed projects.

UN envoy begins mission in Afghanistan amid humanitarian, human rights challenges

Rabab Fatima is taking charge of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan when the country faces growing human rights concerns and a worsening humanitarian crisis.