12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

It is not safe for Afghans to express political opinions opposed to regional and local commanders and forces ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22933]

"Afghans expressing their political opinions are exposed to risk if these opinions are perceived as critical of the interests of local and regional commanders, powerful factions or armed opposition forces, primarily the Taliban and forces allied with the Taliban movement or with veteran Pashtun warlord Gulbuddin Hekhmatyar. Risks also continue to exist for persons known to have political affiliations different from those of persons linked to armed factions exercising de facto power at the local level."

Document(s): Open document