The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has appealed to the Taliban to restore internet access across the country, citing the devastating impact of the blackout on the nation's economy and daily life.
According to the UN mission, the nationwide shutdown, which was imposed by the government in Kabul, has left the country almost entirely cut off from the outside world. The outage, reported on September 29, was the first nationwide shutdown since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021 and was part of their professed crackdown on immorality.
The UN mission emphasized that the internet blackout has had a severe impact on Afghanistan's economy, which is heavily reliant on international trade and communication. "The lack of access to the internet and telecommunications has severely affected the country's economic activities, including banking, commerce, and education," said a spokesperson for the UN mission.
The Taliban's decision to impose the blackout has been met with criticism from human rights groups and experts, who argue that it is a form of censorship and a violation of citizens' right to freedom of expression. "This is a clear attempt by the Taliban to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.
The UN mission has urged the Taliban to restore internet access as soon as possible, citing the importance of maintaining communication with the international community. "We call on the Taliban to lift this blockade and allow Afghans to communicate freely with the outside world," said the UN spokesperson.
In response to the UN's appeal, a Taliban spokesperson stated that the blackout was necessary to prevent the spread of "immoral" content and maintain public order. However, experts argue that the move is more about controlling information and suppressing dissent than addressing any genuine concerns about immorality.
The current status of the internet blackout remains unclear, with reports suggesting that some areas in Kabul still have limited access to mobile phone networks. The UN mission has called on the Taliban to provide a clear timeline for restoring internet access, which would allow Afghans to resume their daily activities and communicate with the outside world.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely watching developments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban's actions are being scrutinized by human rights groups and experts. The UN mission's appeal to restore internet access highlights the need for the Taliban to respect citizens' rights and freedoms, including their right to freedom of expression.
Background information:
Afghanistan has struggled with limited internet access since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The country's economy is heavily reliant on international trade and communication, making the current blackout a significant concern for businesses and individuals alike.
According to reports, the Taliban has been cracking down on social media usage and online content deemed "immoral" or "anti-Islamic." However, experts argue that this move is more about controlling information and suppressing dissent than addressing any genuine concerns about immorality.
The UN mission's appeal to restore internet access is part of a broader effort to promote human rights and freedoms in Afghanistan. The international community has been calling on the Taliban to respect citizens' rights, including their right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
In conclusion, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan has appealed to the Taliban to restore internet access across the country, citing the devastating impact of the blackout on the nation's economy and daily life. The current status of the internet blackout remains unclear, with reports suggesting that some areas in Kabul still have limited access to mobile phone networks.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
