Kabul, Feb 19: The Taliban government has introduced a controversial new rule stating that acts of violence against women will not be considered a crime unless they result in a bone fracture. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, legal experts, and international observers, who argue that the measure effectively legitimizes domestic abuse and strips women of basic legal protections.
Under this policy, women subjected to physical assault that causes pain, bruising, or internal injury but does not break bones would have no legal recourse. Advocacy groups warn that such a rule could embolden perpetrators and silence victims, further eroding the already fragile rights of women in Afghanistan.
The United Nations has described the rule as “deeply troubling” and urged the Taliban to uphold international human rights standards. Women’s rights activists across South Asia and beyond have called for global pressure on the Taliban to reverse the decision, while regional governments expressed concern that such policies could destabilize efforts to improve gender equality in the region.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed a series of restrictions on women, including bans on education beyond certain levels, limitations on employment, and strict dress codes. This latest rule is seen as part of a broader pattern of curtailing women’s freedoms and protections, sparking fears of further regression in women’s rights under Taliban rule.
