In this report, Amnesty International, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation against Torture (OMCT) have documented incidents of human rights violations that have taken place in Afghanistan since the takeover by the Taliban on 15 August. This report calls on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take decisive action to establish a robust independent investigative mechanism to monitor and report on human rights abuses committed in violation of international human rights law, and to contribute to accountability for crimes under international law. Human rights defenders, journalists, and others who are targeted for their work must be evacuated and given safe passage if they wish to leave Afghanistan; and women and girls, and ethnic and religious minorities who are targeted because of their gender, ethnic, and religious identity, must be guaranteed protection. All those who wish to leave Afghanistan must be assured the right to seek asylum. At the same time, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court must receive assistance from the international community to immediately recommence its investigations into crimes under international law committed in Afghanistan. Kabul Airport vicinity. 16 August 2021. Planet Labs. 2. METHODOLOGY The data in this briefing was obtained via primary and secondary research. The primary research was conducted by Amnesty International, OMCT and FIDH from 1 to 18 September 2021. The organizations conducted qualitative interviews with four journalists, one former government officer, three human rights defenders, and one researcher. Trusted information received from partners was also used to corroborate information in this report. All names have been changed and identifying details omitted in order to ensure the safety of all those who spoke to the researchers for this report. Amnesty International, OMCT and FIDH collected, verified, and analysed videos and photographs shared on social media platforms. This methodology included checking sources, geolocation, and establishing the time frame in which the content was captured. Amnesty International's geospatial expert analysed satellite imagery over Afghanistan since 15 August 2021. Other secondary desk research was conducted to corroborate incidents in this report that were reported by mainstream international and national media outlets. The report considers the period between 15 August to 18 September 2021. Attempts to reach the Taliban to share these findings were not successful and received no reply. 3. BACKGROUND: AFGHANISTAN UNDER THE TALIBAN The Taliban have attempted to portray themselves as a reformed group that acknowledges a semblance of women’s rights and freedom of expression, since their recent military takeover of Afghanistan.20 While they have promised a “general amnesty” for all those who have worked for the Zaheena Rasheed, Arwa Ibrahim and Usaid Siddiqui. Al Jazeera. 17 August 2021. “Taliban offers amnesty, promises women’s rights and media freedom”. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/17/evacuation-flights-resume-as-biden-defends-afghanistan-pullout. 20 THE FATE OF THOUSANDS HANGING IN THE BALANCE: AFGHANISTAN’S FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE TALIBAN Amnesty International 4