Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Afghanistan has endured over four decades of armed conflict, resulting in profound physical, psychological, social, and economic harm to its civilian population, according to a UN report based on interviews with victims and their relatives conducted up to the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented over 40,000 civilian deaths and more than 77,000 wounded between 2009 and 2021 due to fighting involving coalition forces, the government, the Taliban, and other militants. The report focuses on this recent period, gathering testimony from nearly 200 victims and relatives.
According to the report, 95 percent of those interviewed experienced emotional or psychological trauma, such as depression, anxiety, memory loss, and flashbacks. Nearly 60 percent sustained physical injuries with lasting consequences, including chronic pain and disabilities. Many face challenges accessing healthcare due to financial constraints and limited medical services in Afghanistan. Some victims’ injuries have hindered educational and employment opportunities, causing significant economic impacts for themselves and their families. Additionally, women widowed by the conflict face increased economic insecurity amid employment restrictions under the de facto authorities.
The report also notes that 55 percent of victims never sought redress, often doubting their cases would be taken seriously or fearing retaliation. Among those who did pursue compensation or justice, 64 percent were unsuccessful, citing bureaucratic obstacles, lack of response, perceived discrimination, and limited transparency when dealing with authorities or institutions.
Victims identified their most urgent needs as financial compensation (81 percent), access to justice (48 percent), and personal security guarantees (47 percent). Georgette Gagnon of UNAMA emphasized the collective trauma within Afghan society and underscored that addressing victims’ needs requires recognition of the harm and a true commitment to reparative measures.