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Decree Archive

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Type of Decree
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Taliban Leader Order

An authoritative command issued directly by the Amir al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Taliban), often in the form of a legislative or executive order. These are legally binding and apply broadly across the regime. They can be written or verbal.

Official Decree (Written or Verbal)

An official decree is a formal and binding statement issued by high-ranking leaders or institutions within the Taliban regime, including the Amir al-Mu’minin. These decrees outline specific legal, political, or social mandates and must be implemented without exception. They may be delivered in writing or verbally—including through meetings, sermons, official statements, or media communications. Verbal decrees, while unwritten, carry the same legal authority as written ones and are considered binding across all Taliban institutions, which are obligated to carry them out through formal and administrative action. A key distinction between a decree and an order lies in scope: a decree enforces a specific issue, while an order tends to address broader or general matters. Both are legally obligatory.

Written Directive

A published document outlining the Taliban regime's stance on significant matters, such as international relations and domestic policy. Officially communicated and issued by the leader of the Taliban or through Taliban representatives and institutions through formal media and authorized channels. For instance, the official statement of the Islamic Emirate rejecting the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights regarding the situation of women.

Verbal Directive

A verbal directive or instruction from Taliban leadership or senior officials, typically communicated in meetings or speeches without written documentation. These are binding despite the lack of formal record. These directives are typically communicated through meetings, speeches, telephone conversations, or quotations attributed to high-ranking Taliban figures

Written Order

A general legal order from the Taliban leader regarding the implementation of a general matter. These orders are binding, applicable for defined or open-ended periods, and must be enforced throughout the regime.

Verbal Order

An oral order issued by the Taliban leader or officials concerning the implementation of either a specific or general matter. These orders are considered legally enforceable and must be followed.

Enforcement Action

An Enforcement Action refers to the implementation or carrying out of Taliban decrees, directives, or orders. These actions reflect how the regime enforces its laws in practice and may include public punishments, arrests, detentions, or administrative measures taken against individuals or groups. This category includes official announcements of punishments issued by the Taliban Supreme Court, as well as reports of enforcement carried out by Taliban soldiers, police, or local authorities. These actions demonstrate how legal directives are applied on the ground and provide insight into the regime’s mechanisms of control and discipline.

Draft Bill

A proposed law or legal reform circulated by Taliban authorities and institutions before final approval or implementation. Often used to signal upcoming legal changes or policy directions. This form of communication is typically conveyed through mass media. Examples include a press release announcing the suspension of a media outlet’s activities or a public notice mandating compliance with the school uniform policy by students.

Media Statement

A formal message or response from Taliban officials provided directly to media outlets to clarify a position, policy, or action. Examples could include a press release announcing the suspension of a media outlet’s activities or a public notice mandating compliance with the school uniform policy by students.

Official Gazette

A published record of official decrees, orders, or legal decisions issued by the regime, used for formal documentation and legal reference.

Official Letter

A written communication issued by the ministries and administrative bodies of the Emirate, based on formal or informal commands from the leader of the Taliban or as determined necessary by the leadership of relevant departments. These letters contain official instructions or orders related to the execution, regulation, or prohibition of specific matters and are typically used for local enforcement or administrative implementation.

Official Notice

A brief formal communication announcing changes in rules or expectations, typically posted in public places or distributed to institutions like schools or mosques.

Social Media

A platform used by Taliban spokespersons or institutions to announce, justify, or promote decisions and decrees, including channels like Twitter or WhatsApp.

Survivor Testimony

A personal public account from individuals affected by Taliban decrees or punishments, often used as secondary documentation when primary sources are unavailable.

Fatwa (Mosque Announcement/Fatwa)

A method of official communication used by Taliban-aligned clerics and institutions of the Emirate regime to disseminate religious rulings or interpretations based on Islamic law. These are often delivered during mosque sermons, religious gatherings, or public events and may reflect decisions, policies, or enforcement directives issued by the leadership. This form of communication is typically conveyed through oral announcements but may also be shared via media. Fatwas serve as authoritative guidance and are considered binding under Taliban rule.

Official Announcement

A formal public statement issued by Taliban institutions to communicate new decisions, rules, or enforcement actions—often disseminated via radio, television, or newspapers.

Official Guide

A detailed instructional document produced by Taliban institutions outlining how a particular law, decree, or religious rule should be interpreted or applied in practice.

Official Meeting

A closed or semi-public gathering in which Taliban officials convey directives, discuss enforcement, or issue verbal orders to subordinates or community leaders.

Phone Call

An informal but authoritative communication channel used by Taliban officials to issue direct instructions or relay enforcement demands in real-time.

Speech

An address by Taliban leaders or officials—often during religious or political events—that conveys binding directives, ideological messages, or policy announcements.

UN Letter

A communication between the United Nations and the Taliban, often documenting international concerns, violations, or requests—sometimes included as evidence in lieu of original decrees.

Media Report

An external journalistic account of Taliban activity, decree enforcement, or policy, often based on public statements, observed events, or leaked information.

Official Declaration

A formal pronouncement made by Taliban ministries or leadership to declare policy positions or enforce actions, typically with legal or social implications.

Official Inquiry

A formal investigation or fact-finding mission initiated by the Taliban regime, sometimes resulting in follow-up enforcement or legal action.

Official Newsletter

A recurring publication from Taliban institutions summarizing recent actions, decrees, or enforcement policies for internal distribution or public awareness.

Press/News Conference

A public event during which Taliban officials speak to media representatives, announce new policies, or answer questions related to governance and law.

Supreme Court Newsletter

A bulletin issued by the Taliban’s Supreme Court containing legal interpretations, announcements of verdicts, and summaries of judicial enforcement actions.

Video Clip

A recorded video—often shared by the Taliban or captured by media—documenting a speech, enforcement action, or declaration, used as a form of indirect evidence or verification.

Filters

Area of Decree

  • Arbitrary Punishment
  • Assembly & Association
  • Cultural Rights
  • Disability Rights
  • Education
  • Expression
  • Family & Privacy Rights
  • Forced Marriage
  • Freedom of Movement
  • Gender Equality
  • Health
  • Justice & Fair Trial
  • LGBTQ+
  • Liberty & Security
  • Minority Rights
  • Non-Discrimination
  • Participation in Public Life
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Press & Censorship
  • PVPV
  • Religion & Belief
  • Torture & Ill-Treatment
  • Work & Livelihoods

Type of Decree

  • Enforcement Action
  • Official Decree
  • Taliban Leader Order
  • Verbal Decree
  • Verbal Directive
  • Verbal Order
  • Written Decree
  • Written Directive
  • Written Order

Delivery Methods

  • Draft Bill
  • Fatwa
  • Media Report
  • Media Statement
  • Official Announcement
  • Official Declaration
  • Official Gazette
  • Official Guide
  • Official Inquiry
  • Official Letter
  • Official Meeting
  • Official Notice
  • Phone Call
  • Press/News Conference
  • Speech
  • Supreme Court Newsletter
  • Survivor Testimony
  • UN Letter
  • Video Clip

Date

  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024

Targeted Gender

  • Both
  • Men
  • Women

Original Source

  • Yes

DEC11-02222022

Talibal extract forced confessions from female protestors.

DEC11-03262023-A

Taliban detained Ruqeya Sayee and two other female protestors.

DEC11-03262023-B

Taliban detains women protesters demonstrating against the closure of girls' schools.

DEC11-04292022

Taliban court orders inhumane solitary confinement for detainee in civil dispute, denying visitation and basic rights.

DEC11-05302024

Taliban intelligence detains cultural figure Yama Maqsoodi in Kabul, whereabouts unknown.

DEC11-08312024

Taliban governor and Minister of Tribal Affairs forcibly evict 600 families in Dowlatyar district of Ghor, violating ancestral land rights and overriding legal rulings.

DEC11-09272023

Taliban detains women's rights activist Julia Parsi and her child from their home in Kabul.

DEC11-10182021

Taliban orders the arrest and punishment of twenty civic activists accused of opposing the regime.

DEC11-11122021

Taliban arrested Wasima Kohistani.

DEC11-12232023

Protesting women detained in Kabul.

DEC12-07312024-1

Taliban Ministry of Justice Announces Official Morality Law Based on Supreme Leader’s Decree.

DEC12-07312024-10

Article 17 of PVPV Law enforces religious conformity and censors media, banning images and critical content.

DEC12-07312024-11

Article 18 of PVPV Law imposes religious mandates on trade and farming, restricting livelihoods and expression through sectarian economic rules.

DEC12-07312024-12

Article 19 of PVPV Law mandates enforced prayer in public recreational areas, undermining religious freedom and personal autonomy.

DEC12-07312024-13

Article 20 of PVPV Law mandates gender segregation and religious observance in transport, severely restricting women’s mobility and personal autonomy.

DEC12-07312024-14

Article 21 of PVPV Law empowers officials to regulate bodily modesty even in private bathing and leisure, reinforcing state control over personal behavior.

DEC12-07312024-15

Article 22 of PVPV Law criminalizes a wide array of behaviors - from LGBTQ+ identity and women's public speech to cultural celebrations - codifying...

DEC12-07312024-16

Article 23 of PVPV Law holds officials responsible for preventing immoral acts by children, the mentally disabled, and non-Muslim residents, raising serious concerns about...

DEC12-07312024-17

Articles 24 & 25 of PVPV Law grants religious officials the power to issue non-judicial punishments for “immoral acts,” including detention and financial penalties.

DEC12-07312024-18

Article 26 of PVPV Law mandates court referrals for failure to observe Islamic obligations, including prayer, fasting, and parental obedience.