# Afghanistan Marks Five Years of Taliban Rule With Calls for Rights

2026-08-15T14:22:05+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Afghanistan marked five years of Taliban rule on August 15 with rallies, parades and official speeches celebrating the end of the US-led military presence. The Taliban says it has brought security, infrastructure and jobs, while supporters reported calmer streets. The government remains internationally isolated, with Russia the only country to recognise it formally. The Hindu reports that UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett warned of a grave human rights crisis, including arbitrary arrests, torture and restrictions on expression. Girls remain barred from education beyond sixth grade, while women face bans on higher education, many jobs, parks, gyms, sports and some travel. UNESCO estimates 2.4 million girls have been excluded from secondary education.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/education/afghanistan-marks-5-years-under-the-taliban-with-safer-streets-but-pleas-for-jobs-and-education-11914676>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/while-taliban-leaders-mark-5-years-in-power-in-afghanistan-un-official-warns-of-rights-crisis/article71349344.ece>
- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Aug/15/street-rallies-held-as-taliban-government-marks-five-years-ruling-afghanistan>
- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/education/afghanistan-marks-5-years-under-the-taliban-with-safer-streets-but-pleas-for-jobs-and-education-11914676#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: Afghanistan, Russia, Taliban, United Nations
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