Prayer Diary: Afghanistan

4-10 October 2026

‘Afghanistan is a graveyard for human rights.’ Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief
It’s been five years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The takeover prompted several thousand men, women and children to flee to neighbouring countries – fearing the group’s long history of violence, oppression and persecution.

Human rights have deteriorated dramatically, with a particularly crushing impact on women and girls. Yet hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been sent back from Iran and Pakistan, including refugees and asylum seekers. Now some European countries are doing the same.

The return of refugees is adding pressure to a nation on the brink of famine. Please pray especially for communities who may be acutely vulnerable in times of crisis, including religious and ethnic minorities. Among them are Ahmadis, Baha’is, Christians, Hazaras, Shi’as, and non-believers.

Pray that no one would be discriminated against in food and aid distribution.

‘He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free…’ (Psalm 146:6-7)

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