KABUL, 1 September 2026 - Victims of Afghanistan’s decades-long armed conflict continue to suffer profound physical, psychological, social and economic consequences, often without access to justice, adequate assistance or acknowledgement of their harm, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The report focuses primarily on the period of conflict from 2001 until the Taliban takeover on 15 August 2021and is based on interviews with 195 victims of armed conflict and their relatives.
Almost all people interviewed (95 per cent) reported emotional or psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, flashbacks and other trauma-related symptoms, while over half (58 per cent) experienced physical harm as a result of armed conflict. Many continue to suffer from chronic pain and/or have acquired disabilities because of their injuries.
“The interviews we conducted highlight the depth and breadth of collective trauma that continues within Afghan society. It is evident that what happened in the past continues to affect many victims and their families today.” said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA. “Key to addressing the needs of victims is an acknowledgement of the harm done and a genuine commitment to putting victims’ voices and rights at the center”.
Victims described being unable to afford medical treatment, repair damaged homes, or support their families in the aftermath of armed conflict. Women widowed by the conflict often face economic insecurity due to restrictions imposed by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities which limit their access to employment.
Highlighting the significant barriers to obtaining justice and assistance, more than half of those interviewed (55 per cent) had never attempted to seek justice, compensation or any other form of redress, often because they believed their concerns would not be taken seriously or feared retaliation. Among those who did seek assistance or accountability, 64 per cent reported that their efforts were unsuccessful. People interviewed cited bureaucratic obstacles, lack of response, perceived discrimination, and limited transparency when engaging with authorities or institutions.
When asked about their needs, victims identified financial compensation (81 per cent), access to justice (48 per cent) and measures to prevent the recurrence of violations (47 per cent).
The report calls for a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to addressing the legacy of decades of armed conflict in Afghanistan. The report urges all parties with responsibilities arising from the conflict to support accountability efforts and contribute to measures that address the rights and needs of victims.
It recommends actions the de facto authorities should take to ensure that the rights of victims and those impacted by armed conflict are realized, including establishing comprehensive programs for redress and other victim assistance. The report also calls on member states to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan that is informed by the needs and priorities of victims of the armed conflict.