COMMON ANALYSIS | Last update: June 2026
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI products: Country Focus 2026, 1.2.5., 2.5., 4.4.7., 4.8.3.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
Human rights violations are also committed by other non-State actors, such as clans, tribes, (locally) powerful individuals, family members.
Customs and customary law including alternate justice mechanisms as well as mediation involving different actors such as jirgas and shuras, religious leaders, and family or community elders are still common in the Afghan society. Enforcement of traditional justice may result in harmful traditional practices, such as forced marriage and family violence against women, including so-called honour killings committed by family members despite the Taliban having outlawed some practices by decree. Other consequences of alternate justice mechanisms might include further human rights violations, such as imprisonment of women seeking protection or being forced back to abusive marriages.
As a consequence of the progressive transformation in a theocratic police state, many Afghans have adapted to the Taliban’s restrictions through self-regulation, and social pressure. Reportedly community surveillance has led families to resort to ‘self-policing’ their female family members and might result in further human rights violations against women and other individuals who do not conform to the Taliban’s rules.
For further guidance see also the following profiles 3.10. Individuals considered to have committed blasphemy and/or apostasy, 3.11. Individuals perceived to have transgressed religious, moral and/or societal norms, 3.13. Women and girls, 3.15. Persons with diverse SOGIESC, 3.16. Individuals involved in blood feuds and land disputes.
Criminal groups and individuals committing crimes can also be non-State actors of persecution or serious harm in accordance with Article 6(c) QR. There are no crime statistics available in Afghanistan and information on the level of violent crime is conflicting. While it was reported in October 2024 that the situation concerning violent crime had significantly improved, some media outlets indicated that violent crimes have increased in many parts of the country during 2025.