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Decree Archive

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Methodology:
Type of Decree
Delivery Method

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

Delivery Methods

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

Date

  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2025

Targeted Gender

  • Both
  • Men
  • Women

Original Source

  • No
  • Yes

DEC3-10282025

Taliban authorities publicly flogged four individuals, including two women, for “moral corruption” in Ghor Province.

DEC3-09112025

Taliban authorities publicly flogged and imprisoned eleven individuals, including four women, for illicit relations and theft-related accusations in Takhar Province.

DEC3-08272025

Taliban authorities publicly flogged and imprisoned two individuals, including one woman, for illicit relations in Jawzjan province.

DEC1-08262025-A

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, described the issue of girls’ education as ‘a minor matter' when discussing the Taliban's 5 year national strategy.

DEC3-08252025

Taliban authorities publicly flogged and imprisoned twelve individuals, including two women, for morality and drug-related offenses in Parwan province.

DEC3-08232025

Taliban authorities in Faryab publicly carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against two individuals accused of theft.

DEC3-08172025

Taliban authorities in Kapisa carried out imprisonment and flogging against an individual convicted of illicit relations.

DEC3-07242025

Taliban authorities in Balkh publicly carried out a flogging sentence against a woman convicted of engaging in an illicit relationship.

DEC3-07202025

A teacher in Paktika was sentenced to death by Taliban courts following a closed trial without legal representation, family access, or due process.

DEC11-07172025

Taliban courts in Sar-e-Pul publicly flogged 18 individuals, including five women, alongside prison sentences for morality- and criminal-related charges.

DEC3-07082025

Taliban authorities in Faryab publicly carried out imprisonment and flogging against an individual convicted of transporting alcoholic beverages.

DEC3-06242025

Taliban authorities in Faryab publicly carried out imprisonment and flogging against an individual accused of claiming to represent Imam Mahdi and undermining the Islamic...

DEC3-06232025

Taliban authorities in Jawzjan publicly carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against two women convicted of illicit relations and fleeing from home.

DEC3-06212025

Taliban authorities in Sar-e-Pul carried out imprisonment and flogging against an individual convicted of causing injury and trespassing.

DEC3-06172025-A

Taliban authorities in Badakhshan carried out flogging sentences against a man and a woman for fleeing from home and facilitating escape.

DEC3-06172025-B

Taliban authorities in Faryab publicly carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against two individuals, including a woman, for fleeing from home, facilitating escape, and...

DEC3-06162025

Taliban courts in Parwan carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against six individuals, including two women, for offenses including adultery and murder.

DEC3-06152025

One woman and one man were punished by the court in Samangan province for 'fleeing from home' and allegedly committing adultery.

DEC3-06022025-A

Taliban courts publicly flogged one man and two women for moral-conduct offenses in Balkh province, after being convicted of moral offenses.

DEC3-06022025-B

One woman and one man were flogged and imprisoned for “fleeing from home” and facilitating escape in Parwan province.

DEC3-06012025

Taliban courts enforced public disciplinary flogging against a woman accused of adultery in Parwan.

DEC3-05302025

Taliban courts enforced disciplinary flogging against one woman and one man for adultery in Samangan province.

DEC3-05282025-A

Taliban in Kabul carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against a woman and a man convicted of unlawful relations.

DEC11-05282025

Taliban in Takhar carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against a man and woman accused of adultery.

DEC3-05282025-B

One woman and one man were sentenced to imprisonment and flogging for adultery in Takhar province.

DEC3-05272025

Taliban courts publicly flogged and imprisoned a man and a woman in Kunduz after convicting them of adultery.

DEC11-05272025

Taliban authorities in Faryab carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against 3 men and 1 woman convicted of pandering, extortion, and fraud.

DEC3-05262025-A

Taliban in Kunar carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against sixteen individuals for offenses including sodomy, theft, drug use, and alleged moral misconduct.

DEC3-05262025-B

Taliban in Laghman carried out imprisonment and flogging sentences against a woman and a man for fleeing home and assisting in the act.

DEC11-05262025

Taliban in Paktia publicly carried out flogging sentences against three individuals accused of theft and sodomy.