Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
The return of Taliban rule in Afghanistan in August 2021 triggered one of the largest humanitarian and migration crises in recent history. Millions of Afghans, fearful of repression, violence, and economic collapse, have fled the country or sought to do so. 

Women, minorities, journalists, and those associated with international organisations or the former government face particular risks, driving many into exile. The exodus reflects deep concerns over the Taliban’s authoritarian governance and the absence of human rights protections. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Afghanistan has endured decades of conflict, from Soviet invasion to civil war, U.S.-led intervention, and Taliban insurgency. The collapse of the Afghan Republic in 2021 marked a turning point, restoring Taliban control after two decades. 

Although the Taliban initially promised moderation, their rule quickly revealed familiar patterns of repression. Women were barred from schools and workplaces, dissent was silenced, and minorities were marginalised. 

The resulting fear and uncertainty accelerated migration, building upon existing displacement caused by decades of conflict. 

Page 3 — Groups Most Affected 
The mass exodus affects a broad spectrum of Afghan society: 

- Women and girls: banned from secondary schools, universities, and many jobs. 
- Religious and ethnic minorities: Hazara, Shia, and other groups targeted by violence and discrimination. 
- Journalists and activists: silenced, detained, or forced into hiding. 
- Former officials and allies: individuals associated with the U.S. or Afghan government threatened with retaliation. 
- Ordinary citizens: economic collapse and unemployment driving migration. 

The Taliban’s rule has left little hope for safety and opportunity at home. 

Page 4 — Consequences of Mass Exodus 
The exodus has profound humanitarian and regional consequences. Neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran host millions of Afghan refugees, straining resources and infrastructure. Europe and North America have also received asylum seekers, though resettlement programmes remain limited. 

For Afghanistan, mass migration has led to brain drain, as skilled professionals flee, weakening the country’s prospects for recovery. Families are torn apart, with many facing exploitation, poverty, and uncertainty in exile. 

The crisis also fuels instability, as refugee flows exacerbate tensions in host countries. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing Afghanistan’s migration crisis requires both domestic change and international cooperation. 

Key steps include: 
- Protecting human rights: Taliban must end repressive policies, especially against women and minorities. 
- International pressure: global actors should hold the Taliban accountable through diplomacy and sanctions. 
- Humanitarian aid: expand support for refugees and host countries. 
- Safe migration pathways: create legal avenues for Afghans at risk to seek asylum. 
- Long-term stability: invest in initiatives that foster peace, education, and economic recovery. 

Until meaningful reforms occur, Taliban rule will continue to force Afghans into mass exodus, leaving one of the world’s most protracted refugee crises unresolved.