Rape and gang rape in war and postwar Afghanistan

Abstract

Sexual violence during civil war and postwar in Afghanistan appears in different forms and contexts; however this article focuses on the most common types which are rape and gang rape. Combatants from all parts of the conflict, such as Afghan security forces, commanders, powerful figures and civilians (including family members) are responsible for these acts. Women and girls from all ages, ethnicities, classes and social statuses are at risk of sexual violence in Afghanistan. Sexual violence in Afghanistan appeared at the beginning of the war in 1978, when the Soviet Union occupied Afghanistan, but it increased dramatically during factional war or civil war amongst Islamic Parties to take over the control of the capital, Kabul in 1992. This article challenges gunmen, law and tradition and introduces them as direct, structural and cultural entities of violence. In the meanwhile the effort and struggle of Afghan people and women’s rights activists continue to work for change.