News World

Afghanistan internet cut ‘extremely serious’ for human rights: UN

Afghanistan connectivity 'below 1 percent' of ordinary levels: internet watchdog
Source: Unsplash

Afghanistan’s internet and telecommunications cut has “extremely serious” rights implications, with women and girls especially affected, the UN human rights office said Tuesday.

Mobile phone signal and internet service in Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban government, weakened on Monday night until connectivity was less than one percent of normal levels.

“Nationwide internet shutdown by (the) Taliban has extremely serious human rights ramifications across the country,” the UN rights office said on X.

The shutdown has curtailed the free flow of information crucial to everyday activities, including access to essential services from health and education to banking.

“Women and girls already excluded from public life are especially affected.

“We call for immediate reconnection.”

Afghans have been unable to contact each other, online businesses and the banking systems are frozen, while members of the diaspora cannot send crucial remittances to their families.

About the author

AFP

Agence France-Presse (AFP) is a French international news agency headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1835 as Havas, it is the world's oldest news agency.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment