THE standard of Afghanistan's security forces is slowly improving but they still stand accused of human rights violations such as rape, murder and torture, according to a new study.

The study, by Oxfam, found that although there had been slight improvements in training and education in the past few months, there are still serious doubts about whether Afghan police and soldiers will be willing or able to protect Afghans from the Taliban after foreign troops pull out.

There are serious doubts about whether Afghan police and soldiers will be willing or able to protect Afghans against the Taliban after foreign troops withdraw. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Australian soldiers in Oruzgan province are training elements of the Afghan National Army to take over security after most Australian troops are withdrawn in 2014.

Oxfam has also urged the Afghan authorities to suspend the Afghan Local Police program, under which villagers deemed to be supporters of the government are given rudimentary training and armed, leading to claims they are merely the private militia of local warlords.