In Afghanistan, a deeply disturbing practice continues to devastate the lives of young boys, despite international outcry and efforts to stop it. Known as Bacha Bazi—translating to “boy play”—this centuries-old tradition involves powerful men turning prepubescent boys into sexual slaves for their pleasure.

What makes it even more chilling is that this horrific abuse is not only widely accepted in some regions but is actively perpetuated by those in positions of power, including government officials, warlords, and even the Taliban.

The practice resurfaced with increased brutality following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, after having been suppressed during the Taliban’s previous rule in the 1990s. Though the Taliban publicly condemned Bacha Bazi, this horrific abuse continues to thrive under their control, and some Taliban members themselves have been accused of perpetrating the very acts they once sought to eradicate.

Bacha bazi often begins with wealthy men seeking young boys to serve as “dancing boys.” These vulnerable children, typically around 12 or 13 years old, are trained to dance and perform in private gatherings, where they are often sexually abused by the men.

In many cases, the families of these boys, facing crushing poverty, sell their sons or allow them to be “adopted” in exchange for money, food, or protection. Tragically, these boys are trapped in a cycle of abuse that leaves them scarred for life.

The exploitation is not limited to isolated pockets of Afghan society. A 2024 U.S. State Department report reveals that Bacha Bazi is widespread, especially in the southern Pashtun tribal areas of the country.

The Taliban has been linked to the practice, with some reports suggesting that Taliban members themselves employ child soldiers and engage in sexual slavery. Bacha Bazi has become deeply ingrained in the power structures of Afghanistan, with the abuse often being seen as a symbol of dominance for powerful men.

These young boys face extreme physical and emotional trauma as a result of their abuse. Many suffer broken bones, internal injuries, and psychological damage that persists long after the abuse ends. Once they age out of their roles as “dancing boys,” they are discarded by their abusers and often end up on the streets, struggling to survive. Many turn to drugs to cope with their trauma, and few have any hope of escaping the cycle of exploitation.

What makes Bacha Bazi even more disturbing is the way it has been normalized in Afghan society. While homosexuality is punishable by death under Afghan law, Bacha Bazi is considered acceptable by some, particularly among the Pashtun ethnic group. In their view, the abuse is not a homosexual act because it involves penetration by men who are viewed as more masculine. In this warped ideology, abusing boys is seen as a means to assert power, not a crime.

The situation has become even more alarming since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Under their oppressive regime, young boys continue to be trafficked, exploited, and abused. The Taliban’s official condemnation of Bacha Bazi rings hollow as the practice remains rampant. Despite a 2018 legal reform that sought to punish perpetrators, Bacha Bazi continues to thrive in the shadows.

The Taliban’s leadership has failed to address the issue fully, and reports suggest that some Taliban officials are complicit in perpetuating this abuse. The very leaders who claim to uphold Islamic law are engaging in practices that go against both international human rights standards and the moral principles they claim to uphold.

Despite their public declarations, young boys continue to be sold, trafficked, and abused for the pleasure of the powerful. The situation remains dire, with no signs of meaningful intervention or justice. Many survivors of Bacha Bazi face an uncertain future, and the system that allows such atrocities to persist remains firmly in place.

The world has a responsibility to shine a light on this horrific practice, to demand accountability, and to help the innocent children caught in its grip. Without international pressure and local reform, Bacha Bazi may continue to plague Afghanistan for generations to come.

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