UN report shows human cost of Afghan telecommunications shutdowns

Human rights violations surged as Afghanistan’s telecom shutdown disrupted healthcare, education, and everyday communication.
Access to information and emergency services was severely hindered during the 48-hour shutdown, worsening humanitarian crises.

A new UN briefing highlights the severe human rights effects of recent telecommunications shutdowns in Afghanistan. The 48-hour nationwide disruption hindered access to healthcare, emergency services, banking, education, and daily communications, worsening the hardships already faced by the population.

Women and girls were disproportionately affected, with restricted contact with guardians preventing travel for essential activities and limiting access to online education. Health workers reported preventable deaths due to the inability to call for emergency assistance, while humanitarian aid was delayed in regions still recovering from natural disasters and involuntary returns from neighbouring countries.

The UN stresses that such shutdowns violate rights to freedom of expression and access to information, and urges authorities to ensure any communication restrictions comply with international human rights standards. Rapid restoration of services and legally justified measures are essential to protect the Afghan population.

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