The Daily Mail has reported that despite the Taliban’s announcement of a ban on the practice known as “bacha bazi” (boy play), existing reports and testimonies indicate that the practice continues in some parts of Afghanistan, leaving vulnerable children exposed to abuse and exploitation.
According to the report, victims and some local sources allege that a number of influential individuals, local commanders, and officials have been involved in the practice. The Daily Mail writes that survivors, after escaping these situations, have spoken of severe physical and psychological consequences, including violence, abuse, and lasting trauma.
The report also highlights the difficulties victims face in accessing support and rehabilitation services, noting that the significant reduction in international aid following the political changes of 2021 has limited the resources available to assist affected children.
The Daily Mail further refers to the U.S. Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report. According to the report, concerns regarding human trafficking, the recruitment of children, and the exploitation of minors in Afghanistan remain ongoing, with documented cases continuing to emerge.
In another section, the report notes that bacha bazi has a long history in Afghanistan and has been documented during various historical periods. The Daily Mail states that the practice has been criticized for decades by human rights organizations, media outlets, and international institutions.
The newspaper also references previous reports by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. According to those findings, victims often suffer serious psychological effects, including anxiety, fear, hopelessness, distrust, and other forms of emotional trauma.
Charlotte Haug told the Daily Mail that, in the absence of comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services, the future of many survivors remains uncertain. She added that some accounts suggest the consequences of such abuse may continue to affect victims for many years.
The report also discusses the role of certain individuals and armed groups during different historical periods, noting that the issue of child exploitation has repeatedly been raised by both domestic and international organizations. In past reports, some former military and security officials were also accused of involvement in such abuses.
The Daily Mail further refers to accounts involving foreign forces stationed in Afghanistan, stating that reports had previously surfaced suggesting that some personnel were aware of such practices. These allegations later received attention in various media reports and documentaries.
The newspaper also mentions the documentary The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan, directed by Najibullah Quraishi, which drew international attention years ago to the plight of children subjected to abuse and exploitation in Afghanistan.
In the final section of the report, the Daily Mail states that children and women in Afghanistan continue to face numerous challenges, including poverty, social vulnerability, violence, and a lack of support services. The newspaper emphasizes that many survivors of abuse, after years of suffering and hardship, still do not have adequate access to medical care, psychological support, and rehabilitation programs.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
