Afghanistan Ranks Second-Worst Globally in Rule of Law Index

Afghanistan's Disheartening Ranking

Kabul, Oct 28: According to a recent report from the World Justice Project (WJP), Afghanistan has been identified as the second-worst country in the world regarding the rule of law, just ahead of Venezuela, as reported by local media on Wednesday.

In the 2026 Rule of Law Index, Afghanistan occupies the 142nd position out of 143 countries and jurisdictions assessed. The index evaluates the effectiveness of law enforcement globally. Venezuela is at the bottom of the list in 143rd place, while Haiti is ranked 141st. The top three countries in the index are Denmark, Norway, and Finland, as noted by Khaama Press.

The evaluation of the index is based on eight key factors: absence of corruption, limitations on government authority, transparency in governance, fundamental rights, public order and security, enforcement of regulations, civil justice, and criminal justice. This assessment is derived from surveys conducted among 215,000 households and 3,400 legal experts, covering nations that represent approximately 95% of the global population.

Afghanistan's performance is notably poor across various categories, ranking 135th in criminal justice, 140th in fundamental rights and public order, 138th in civil justice, 137th in regulatory enforcement, 131st in absence of corruption and open governance, and 125th in constraints on governmental powers, as reported by Khaama Press.

In August, the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) highlighted that the Taliban has effectively transformed Afghanistan into a repressive environment for information over the past five years, with each new directive further constraining the freedom of journalists and independent media.

Since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, they have issued over 20 national directives and numerous provincial decrees aimed at suppressing press freedom in the nation. RSF's statement emphasized that these decrees and verbal orders from the Taliban have severely restricted the media landscape in Afghanistan.

"Journalism is increasingly stifled as any criticism of the regime is prohibited, women face extensive restrictions, political discourse has been silenced, and broadcasting images of living beings is banned. Reporters Without Borders demands an end to this repression," the statement asserted.

RSF noted that a significant threshold was crossed in January 2026 when the Taliban secretly adopted a Code of Criminal Procedure for the courts, which was leaked. Although the code does not explicitly mention the press, it fails to provide any protections for media professionals, exposing them to legal threats and harsh penalties, including imprisonment.

The new code stipulates prison sentences and flogging for insulting Taliban leadership, effectively criminalizing any dissent against the authorities. It also penalizes communication with government opponents.

"In five years, the Taliban have systematically transformed Afghanistan into a prison for information. Each new directive further constricts the space for journalists and independent media. The prohibition on criticism is now codified into law, formalizing censorship. Women journalists have been nearly erased, debate has been silenced, and every independent voice faces prosecution. By criminalizing media professionals, the de facto authorities are striving for total control over the dissemination of information," stated Celia Mercier, head of RSF's South Asia Desk.