Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, describes the impact of human rights violations, targeted attacks, threats to women and girls and the implications for the hard-won women’s rights, which are set to fall as Afghanistan crumbles.

In light of the recent military withdrawal of US, Australian and other international forces from Afghanistan, and as the Taleban continues to gain control of territory and attack communities across the country, the Whitlam Institute seeks to raise awareness - in Australia and beyond - of the situation in Afghanistan today.

Through our policy research on Australia in the World, we produced this seven-part podcast series with eminent experts, officials and community leaders to ensure their voices are heard here in Australia as we explore what Australia’s foreign policy toward Afghanistan should look like post-military withdrawal.

In this second episode, Whitlam Institute Director Leanne Smith speaks to Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. Their conversation touches on human rights violations, targeted attacks and threats to women and girls.