COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: January 2023
While there was a lack of comprehensive data on crime rates, it was reported that the immediate aftermath of the Taliban takeover of power saw a drop in the crime rate. By the second half of October 2021, sources began to report a rise in the number of crimes, with Kabul residents pointing to an increase in armed robberies, kidnappings and extortion, described as occurring on a daily basis in the capital. During September and October 2021, some 40 businesspersons were abducted in the capital as well as in Balkh, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kandahar, and Herat provinces. According to several sources the crime levels have risen concurrently with the deepening of the humanitarian and economic crisis in the country, particularly affecting the capital and other big urban areas [Security 2022, 1.2.4, p. 32].
A real risk of violent crime, such as abductions, robberies, murder would meet the requirements under Article 15(b) QD.
Where there is no nexus to a reason for persecution under the refugee definition, the risk of violent crime such as the above may qualify under Article 15(b) QD.