The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) stated that religious minorities in Afghanistan face threats from terrorist groups such as ISIS, as well as harassment and persecution from the Taliban.
The commission's report specifically mentions that Shias, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians are individuals whose religious freedom has been violated.
In its annual report, the USCIRF states that religious freedom in Afghanistan has deteriorated under the Taliban rule.
The commission has stated that the Taliban continues to enforce its strict interpretation of Sharia law.
Referring to the ban on girls' education in Afghanistan, the commission said that the Taliban has implemented dozens of edicts based on its religious interpretation, restricting the clothing, employment, and education of Afghans.
The report states that under the Taliban rule, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians face severe restrictions, including limitations on their attire and appearance, and are prohibited from publicly holding their religious ceremonies.
The commission reported a similar situation for Shias in Afghanistan, stating that they continue to face harassment, violence, and interference in their right to worship.
The USCIRF states that in February 2023, a Taliban governor in Badakhshan issued a letter prohibiting marriages between Shia and Sunni Muslims.
It has also been reported that the Taliban banned the teaching of Jafari jurisprudence books and forced private universities to remove all religious books that do not conform to Hanafi jurisprudence.
Restrictions on holding Shia mourning ceremonies during Muharram and Nowruz celebrations by the Taliban are among other topics addressed in the USCIRF report.
The commission has urged the US government to designate Afghanistan as a "country of particular concern" for systematic violations of religious freedom.
The USCIRF also called on the United States government to include religious freedom and belief in its discussions with the Taliban government and condemn the on going atrocities committed by the group and ISIS.
Furthermore, the USCIRF called for sanctions on Taliban officials involved in violating religious freedoms.
