The Taliban cutting off Afghanistan's internet and telecommunications is "truly sad and disappointing" news for Afghans around the world, an Afghan man living in Ireland has said.
Sayed Farid Sanai, who left the capital Kabul and came to live in Ireland in 2019, described the move as very "dark".
"Myself at the moment ... I don't have any connection with my family, friends or colleagues in Afghanistan. It's a tough situation unfortunately," he said.
Since the Taliban resumed control four years ago and imposed a strict version of Islamic law, this is the first time that communications have been effectively shut down.
For weeks, the Taliban has been severing fibre-optic internet connections as part of an effort to prevent what it called "immorality".
The lack of signal has paralysed many essential services, including online business and banking systems.
It has also sparked worry amongst those who see the coverage as a vital link for Afghans inside and outside the country.
The UN's human rights office said the cut has "extremely serious" rights implications.
Head of Communications with UNICEF Ireland Vivienne Parry told RTÉ News that the organisation's biggest concern is for women and children in Afghanistan.
"They are incredibly isolated. No longer can they go to universities, go to secondary schools. They are not allowed to work outside the home, so the internet was really a lifeline for them," Ms Parry said.
"There's a real concern that 20 million people are going to be prevented from any access to education or support," she said.
"What I think about the most is when we were all in lockdown, we could still access life outside of our homes. We had the internet and I can only imagine what it must be like ... particularly for women and girls," she said.
Sayed Farid Sanai said he hopes that people can understand the situation by putting themselves in it.
He called on the international community to advocate for support and assistance for the Afghan people.
"I believe that the international community will stand with Afghanistan's people, and they, hopefully, will break their silence," said Mr Sanai.
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