[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

AFGHANISTAN (Tier 3) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report - Afghanistan

Afghanistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and, even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity, if any, is not making significant efforts to do so; therefore Afghanistan remained on Tier 3.  During the reporting period, there was a pattern of employing or recruiting child soldiers and a pattern of sexual slavery by the Taliban (bacha bazi – a practice in which men exploit boys for social and sexual entertainment).  The Taliban did not make efforts to address labor trafficking and sex trafficking, nor did they identify or protect any trafficking victims or make any efforts to prevent trafficking.  The Taliban continued to undermine the rights of women and members of minority groups, and other vulnerable populations, and hindered the work of NGOs, further exacerbating vulnerabilities to trafficking and obstructing the protection of victims.

Prioritized Recommendations

Cease the unlawful recruitment or use of children by the Taliban and demobilize children from all armed groups with adequate protection and reintegration support.

Increase efforts to comprehensively address labor trafficking and sex trafficking, including identification of victims and referral to NGOs and international organizations for services.

Cease the harassment of civil society organizations seeking to assist vulnerable populations, including trafficking victims

Recognize and use existing anti-trafficking laws to combat human trafficking.

Ensure the re-opening of victim shelters throughout the country, including for women and girls.

Designate a specific entity to coordinate inter-ministerial anti-trafficking efforts.

Draft, finalize, and implement a NAP to combat trafficking in persons.