Cultural Commission of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
No. 91/206, Date: 20/11/1444

Announcement of the Islamic Emirate Regarding the Marriage of Young Girls and Widows with Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
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As the world bears witness, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with their firm commitment and Islamic resolve, have achieved victory in their jihad against foreign occupiers and their puppet agents. Specifically, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate in the provinces of Badakhshan and Takhar have succeeded in capturing the majority of the districts in the northern provinces, and, praise be to Allah, have implemented and practiced Islam.

Now, in order to eliminate ignorance, disbelief, and the social problems of the youth in this province, the authorities of the Islamic Emirate direct all the people of this province—particularly tribal leaders, village chiefs, and mosque imams—to submit a list of young girls above the age of 15 and widows under the age of 45 to the Cultural Commission of the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate.

Inshallah, these sisters will be married to the Mujahideen in accordance with Islamic law, and for the purpose of acquiring authentic Islamic knowledge and fully embracing the teachings of Islam, they will be transferred to Waziristan and Islamic schools.

With respect,
Cultural Commission
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

The Taliban’s directive requiring community leaders to submit lists of girls (15+) and widows (under 45) for marriage to Mujahideen must be recognized as a serious human rights violation. This policy facilitates forced marriage, coercion, and possible trafficking, particularly with the mention of transferring women to Waziristan. It reflects an attempt to institutionalize gender control through state power and religious justification.

This action signals a pattern of gender-based persecution and may constitute a crime under international law. It urgently requires international condemnation, investigation, and protection mechanisms for at-risk women and girls.