Afghanistan: Humanitarian

The Taliban, which governs Afghanistan, is facing international criticism for its treatment of women and for new laws. One new law has been described by critics as legalizing slavery and granting immunity to religious leaders. In a separate development, the Taliban announced the release of a female taekwondo teacher, Khadija Ahmadzada, who had been detained. There are also reports that Taliban members entered a German-run safe house in Afghanistan that was part of a resettlement program.

Afghanistan is dealing with multiple severe crises. A hunger crisis has gotten worse due to winter conditions and cuts in international aid. Separately, nearly half of the admission promises made to Afghans seeking to leave the country have been revoked. In another development, a female Taekwondo trainer was arrested in Afghanistan.