AIHRC report finds grave abuses in Kunduz

A new report released by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) has revealed horrific human rights violations committed by the Taliban in the northern city of Kunduz.

The report stated that Taliban militants had committed targeted killings and arbitrary executions, rape, torture, using civilians as human shields and the looting of public and private properties.

The report also highlighted the situation of internally displaced people, restrictions on access to basic services, inhumane treatment of prisoners of war and preventing access to humanitarian aid to those in need.

According to the report, at least 50 civilians were killed and more than 350 others were wounded. However, the number could be higher as the AIHRC drew on hospital reports and people may not have been taken to hospital after being killed or injured.

At least three civilians were brutally murdered after they were taken from their house on charges of having links with the government, the report said.

The report also found that Taliban militants raped women after entering their houses but the exact number of victims could not be determined as majority of the incidents remain unreported.

A detailed report by on rape incidents will be released once the investigation concludes, the AIHRC said.

Taliban militants abducted over 100 people, including civilians and service members of the security institutions after they took control of the city, the report said. Some were released after being questioned while the others have been taken to unknown locations.

The report added that Taliban militants have looted at least six government institutions, along with the UNHCR office, provincial government office, banks, and shops. The UNAMA office was set on fire.

According to the report, the conflict has forced nearly 14,000 families to flee the area, affecting nearly 70,000 to 100,000 people.

The report is available on the AIHRC website: http://www.aihrc.org.af/home/daily_report/5045

Date: 17 October 2015

Source: Khaama Press