RASC News Agency: Statistics reveal that over the past three months, at least 55 individuals in Afghanistan have committed suicide. These individuals span various ages and genders, including children, adolescent girls, and young to middle-aged men and women. Economic hardships, poverty, and family violence exacerbated by the Taliban’s discriminatory policies have driven many to end their lives.
Among the victims, 13 were women and girls, 42 were young men and boys, and two were children. The highest numbers were reported in Nangarhar, Faryab, and Badakhshan. These figures likely underrepresent the total, as only data reported by national media is included. Suicides were documented across 21 provinces, including Kabul, Badakhshan, Nangarhar, and others. Economic deprivation, hunger, unemployment, and psychological pressure due to Taliban policies were primary causes. One individual had experienced detention by the Taliban.
Women faced additional challenges such as domestic violence and forced marriages. A woman in Kandahar ended her life due to family violence, while in Faryab and Badghis, others faced similar circumstances. Some reasons and identities remain undisclosed, with families often avoiding media exposure due to societal norms. Persistent poverty and unemployment under Taliban rule have led to widespread despair, with many young men ending their lives out of hopelessness for the future.
In a specific incident, a man named Hazratullah committed suicide in front of a district office in Khost after his legal case was ignored by the Taliban. He had previously been imprisoned by the group. Alison Davidian from the UN Women’s Office in Afghanistan highlighted that the dire situation for women and girls leads many to prefer death over life. She pointed out that Taliban policies are a major factor driving the mental health crisis.
Relatives of suicide victims cite poverty, unemployment, and violence as the main reasons for these tragic deaths.
