The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says the de facto authorities have taken steps to oversee and discipline security personnel since 2021, but limited transparency and unresolved complaints continue to weaken accountability.
UNAMA said on August 10, 2026, that its 38-page report found that security institutions had introduced internal monitoring mechanisms, disciplinary directives and bodies to investigate alleged misconduct.
However, the mission said there is insufficient public information about complaints, investigations and disciplinary or judicial actions. Many complaints reportedly remain unresolved, while fear of reprisals, lack of trust in authorities and barriers to reporting discourage people from coming forward.
Women face additional obstacles because of restrictions affecting their daily lives, UNAMA said.
“The limited amount of public information on complaints received, investigations conducted, and disciplinary or judicial actions taken by relevant de facto bodies undermine confidence and weaken deterrence,” said Georgette Gagnon, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer-in-Charge of UNAMA.
“Visible and consistent accountability measures indicate that rules are applied equally and to every person, including those in positions of authority,” she stated.
UNAMA documented cases in which security personnel accused of misconduct were arrested, investigated and referred to de facto military courts. It nevertheless called for stronger and more consistent enforcement of rules governing the use of force, arrests, detention, searches and crowd control.
The mission also urged the authorities to establish safe and accessible complaints mechanisms, protect victims and witnesses from retaliation, and regularly publish information on misconduct cases and actions taken.
The report covers accountability efforts since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. UNAMA said several oversight bodies have since been established, but limited public reporting makes it difficult to assess their effectiveness.
UNAMA said stronger accountability would improve public trust and professionalism within security institutions and support Afghanistan’s stability and engagement with the international community.
