A viral video exposes the shocking reality of Bacha Bazi, an ancient tradition of sexual abuse of boys in Afghanistan. Learn more about the history, causes and consequences of this horrific practice.
Bacha Bazi: The Horrific Tradition of Sexual Abuse of Boys in Afghanistan
A viral video shows how poor boys are forced to dance for the Taliban and Islamic officials in Afghanistan, and then sexually abused. This is part of an ancient tradition known as Bacha Bazi.
Bacha Bazi means "boy play" in Persian, and it involves older men exploiting young boys for sexual pleasure. The boys, called dancing boys, are often dressed in women's clothes and makeup, and perform in front of male audiences. They are also subjected to sexual slavery and prostitution by their masters.
The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, outlawed Bacha Bazi and homosexuality, claiming that they violated Islamic law. They imposed the death penalty for both practices, sometimes punishing the boys instead of the abusers.
In 2011, the United Nations and the Afghan government signed an action plan to end Bacha Bazi and protect children's rights. However, the practice continued to spread in some areas, especially among warlords and powerful men.
In 2022, after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban regained control of the country and established the Islamic Emirate. Despite their previous ban, it was reported that many Taliban officials still engaged in Bacha Bazi and abused boys.
Conclusion:
Bacha Bazi is a cruel and inhumane tradition that violates the rights and dignity of young boys in Afghanistan. Despite being banned by the Taliban and condemned by the international community, the practice persists among some powerful and influential men. The victims of Bacha Bazi suffer from physical, psychological and social trauma, and often have no access to justice or protection. The world must not turn a blind eye to this atrocity and must take urgent action to end it.