Human Rights Watch has urged the Taliban to release two UN staffers and six NGO workers. The group raised concerns over recent detentions across Afghanistan.
HRW said six male staff members from WCLRF disappeared from their Kabul office last month. The NGO supports aid programs and advocates for women’s and children’s rights.
UN Staffers Detained In Herat
HRW also called for the release of two Afghan UNAMA staff members. Taliban intelligence officials reportedly detained them in Herat on Sunday.
The UN confirmed the detentions earlier this week. However, UNAMA said authorities have not disclosed charges against the staffers.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said officials have not allowed UNAMA to visit them. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said he was seeking further details.
WCLRF Office Raided In Kabul
HRW said Taliban security forces raided the WCLRF office on June 21. They reportedly confiscated belongings and sealed the office.
Officials then questioned staff about their activities, according to Human Rights Watch. The rights group described the six workers as forcibly disappeared.
Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at HRW, warned about the UN staffers’ detention. She said the detentions could threaten the UN’s ability to deliver lifesaving aid.
UNAMA monitors human rights and gathers information across Afghanistan. Its reports have frequently faced criticism from the Taliban government.
The detentions come days before the Taliban marks five years since returning to power. Afghanistan remains heavily dependent on international assistance despite declining foreign aid.
