Statement by the “Women’s Movement Towards Freedom” on the Shutdown of Wi-Fi and Fiber Optic Internet

We strongly condemn the recent decision of the Taliban to cut off and block internet access in several provinces of Afghanistan. This irresponsible and inhumane action is not only a blatant violation of citizens’ fundamental rights—particularly the right to access information and freedom of expression—but also deprives millions of people, especially women, girls, and the younger generation, of their right to education, free communication, and participation in the global community.

Today, the internet is one of the essential tools for achieving social justice, economic development, education, and raising public awareness. Forcing citizens into digital isolation is a deliberate attempt to censor the truth, block the reporting of Taliban crimes to international institutions, and impose this group’s closed and inhumane policies on the people of Afghanistan.

We call upon the international community, the United Nations, human rights and free speech organizations, and all responsible governments and institutions to not remain silent in the face of this repressive and rights-violating action by the Taliban. Through political, legal, and media pressure, they must ensure the immediate restoration of internet services and safeguard the Afghan people’s right to free access to technology and information.

The voice of the Afghan people must not be silenced. Access to the internet is a fundamental human right, and no group or regime has the authority to strip citizens of it.

Women’s Movement Towards Freedom

Kabul, Afghanistan

Date: 24 September 2025