The United Nations has stated that most civilian victims of Afghanistan's 2001-2021 war have been left without justice, reparation, or even acknowledgment of their suffering. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented that over 40,000 civilians were killed and 77,000 wounded in attacks by Taliban insurgents, the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, and during operations by Afghan and international coalition forces led by the United States.
Civilian Casualties and Psychological Impact
UNAMA's documentation of civilian casualties since 2009 is one of the most exhaustive studies on victims of the war. The report highlights specific incidents, such as the attack on Kabul University where 21-year-old Suhaila was killed, and the IS attack on a school in October 2020, which claimed the life of 17-year-old Muhammad Hadi. Mohammad, who was wounded in the school attack, now struggles with psychological issues and has been unable to continue his studies. UNAMA found that 95 percent of nearly 200 victims interviewed experienced psychological harm, ranging from memory loss to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Struggle for Justice and Accountability
Despite efforts to seek justice, most victims have been unsuccessful. An action plan for 'Peace, Reconciliation and Justice' launched in 2006 was never fully implemented. The 2020 US-Taliban peace deal lacked specific provisions for victims' rights, justice, or accountability. Since the Taliban returned to power, they have passed an amnesty law and shown no intent to prosecute wartime violations. Domestic and international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable have been limited and faced numerous barriers.
While some progress has been made, such as a former Australian special forces officer being charged with war crimes and a Dutch court ordering compensation for victims of an unlawful airstrike, broader accountability remains elusive. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has focused its investigation on alleged crimes by the Taliban and IS due to limited resources and the gravity of ongoing crimes. Transitional justice experts argue that truth and reconciliation commissions or reparations could offer some justice to victims.
The Taliban government claims to have distributed $695 million to families of martyrs, widows, and orphans since 2021. However, victims like Khan Yousufi, whose son and wife were killed by Afghan police, continue to seek justice and support for their recovery.
