Internet shutdown to worsen humanitarian crisis: Amnesty

Amnesty International has condemned the nationwide shutdown of internet services in Afghanistan as ‘a reckless move’ that will worsen the country’s humanitarian crisis and violate human rights.

“The nationwide internet shutdown by the Taliban is a reckless move that will have far-reaching consequences for delivery of aid, access to healthcare and other essential services at a time when Afghanistan is facing multiple humanitarian crises impacting almost half the population,” said Smriti Singh, Amnesty’s regional director for South Asia.

She said communication and access to information were critical for protecting human rights, and that the interim government’s decision tightens “their chokehold on the flow of information,” ensuring the world remains in the dark about ongoing violations.

Singh warned the shutdown would further harm Afghan women and girls, who remain banned from schooling beyond the primary level. Many rely on online education as their only option. “This shutdown disrupts their ability to learn and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” she said.

The government imposed the blackout on Sept. 29, citing efforts to prevent “immoral acts” and the “misuse of internet.” Both mobile and fiber-optic services were suspended until further notice.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed the near-total collapse of connectivity, reporting less than 1% of normal activity on Monday.

Amnesty said internet access in Afghanistan is essential for daily life, including business transactions, humanitarian work, official communications, and education. It urged the Kabul administration to restore full connectivity immediately.

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