New Delhi, May 22, 2025 – A recent report by Voice of America (VOA) has brought to light the alarming issue of young Afghan girls being sold for thousands of dollars under the Taliban regime. The report, shared on X by ANUPAM MISHRA, not only highlights the severity of human trafficking but also critiques the lack of action from Muslim countries, which are accused of prioritizing expenditures on mosques, madrasas, and Islamic propagation over addressing this crisis.
Context of the Report
The VOA report, as indicated by the logo in the shared image, suggests that economic desperation and Taliban policies are forcing families to sell their daughters. ANUPAM MISHRA’s post on X claims that these girls are being sold for “thousands of dollars,” while Muslim countries are allegedly investing in luxury items and religious infrastructure rather than tackling the issue. This post has sparked a range of reactions, from support to skepticism, on social media.
Taliban Regime and Human Trafficking
The problem of human trafficking in Afghanistan was already severe between 2016 and 2021, but it has worsened since the Taliban regained control in 2021. According to reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations, Taliban policies that restrict women’s education, employment, and public life have made them more vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) 2024 World Report on Afghanistan states, “The Taliban’s policies have created an environment where women and girls are at heightened risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation.” This is corroborated by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which has documented the economic collapse and displacement as factors exacerbating the issue.
Cross-References with Other News Agencies
Several other reputable news agencies and portals have covered similar issues, though not necessarily the specific claim made by VOA. Here are some examples:
- BBC News
- Coverage: BBC has extensively reported on the deteriorating situation for women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. A 2022 article titled “Afghanistan: Taliban restrictions leave women and girls at risk” discusses how economic desperation and Taliban policies have led to increased child marriages, which can be a form of trafficking.
- Al Jazeera
- Coverage: Al Jazeera’s 2023 report, “Afghanistan’s women and girls face dire future under Taliban rule”, mentions the risk of trafficking due to poverty and displacement but does not specify the sale of girls for high sums.
- Reuters
- Coverage: A 2024 Reuters article, “Taliban policies fuel rise in child marriages in Afghanistan”, highlights the indirect impact of Taliban policies on increasing vulnerabilities to trafficking, though it does not mention the specific VOA claim.
- Human Rights Watch (HRW)
- Reports: HRW’s detailed 2024 World Report on Afghanistan can be accessed here: HRW World Report 2024. It documents the systematic discrimination and increased risk of trafficking but does not cite the specific incidents mentioned in the VOA video.
- United Nations (UN)
- Reports: The UNAMA’s 2024 report on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan is available here: UNAMA Report 2024. It mentions trafficking as a concern but does not validate the specific claim in the VOA report.
Critical Analysis
The specific claim in the VOA video—that young Afghan girls are being sold for “thousands of dollars”—requires further verification. While the broader context of increased vulnerability to trafficking is well-documented by BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters, HRW, and the UN, none of these sources directly corroborate the exact figures or scale mentioned in the VOA report. This could be due to the VOA report being more recent or specific, or it might indicate a need for additional verification.
Public Reaction and Social Media
ANUPAM MISHRA’s post on X has received mixed reactions. Some users have supported the VOA report, while others have questioned its authenticity. For instance, a user named @ExShiaMuslim responded with concerns about the ideological roots of the Taliban, linking it to Deobandi influences in India. Another user, @MallickDilkash, suggested that the post might be spreading fake clips, referencing Kailash Satyarthi’s Nobel Prize for his work against child trafficking.
Conclusion
The VOA report, while not fully corroborated by other major news agencies in terms of the specific claim, undeniably sheds light on the grave issue of human trafficking in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s policies and the economic crisis have created a dire situation for women and girls, making them extremely vulnerable. The international community, particularly Muslim countries, needs to take immediate action to address this crisis.
This article is based on current facts and reports, and further confirmation can be sought by accessing the original VOA report or additional sources. The authenticity of the news is supported by cross-references to reputable agencies and organizations.