UN says detentions in Herat raise serious human rights concerns
Image: Reuters
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has urged Taliban authorities to end the reported arrest and detention of women in western Afghanistan over alleged violations of dress rules.
UNAMA said it was concerned about multiple detentions in Herat province, where local reports claim at least 21 women and girls were recently held for not complying with a new “proper hijab” requirement.
The UN mission stressed that all individuals have the right to freedom of movement and must be treated equally under the law, regardless of gender.
The Taliban has not publicly responded to the allegations or to UNAMA’s statement.
The reported arrests follow new local directives said to warn women against appearing in public without full compliance with the dress code, including covering the face and avoiding makeup.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed a series of restrictions on women’s rights, including limits on education, work, and public participation, drawing ongoing international criticism.
