Online Protection and Digital Security

This document was originally produced by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to raise awareness of and mitigate online risks faced by human rights defenders, civil society activists, and media workers. The original text was adapted to Afghanistan by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Human Rights Section and UN Women Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, women’s participation in daily and public life has contracted significantly as de facto authorities have taken steps to limit women’s freedom of movement, access to work and education, and exercise of other fundamental rights and freedoms. In parallel, civic space and media freedoms have diminished. In this context, digital space has provided a vital outlet for Afghans, particularly women and girls, to share their views and experiences, build communities, engage on issues important to them, and advocate for their rights ...