UNAMA Calls for Equal Treatment and Freedom of Movement
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has expressed serious concern over the reported arrest and detention of women in Herat province for allegedly violating dress requirements imposed by Taliban authorities.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, said the arrests raised major human rights concerns. The mission urged Afghan authorities to treat all people equally before the law.
UNAMA did not confirm the exact number of women affected. However, local media reported that at least 21 women and girls were detained in Herat last week.
In a statement shared on X, UNAMA reminded the authorities that all people have the right to freedom of movement. It also said women and men are both entitled to equality before the law.
The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported arrests.
Detentions Follow New Dress Directive
The reported arrests came after a Taliban directive was issued last week, according to local media. The directive reportedly barred women from appearing in public without what authorities described as a proper hijab.
Reports said the order warned women of punitive measures if they failed to follow the dress code. The restrictions allegedly included rules against showing the face or wearing makeup in public.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the directive. However, the reports have renewed global concern over the treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule.
Herat has now become the latest focus of international attention as rights groups continue to monitor restrictions placed on Afghan women.
Women’s Rights Crisis Deepens in Afghanistan
Since returning to power in Kabul in 2021, the Taliban has imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls across Afghanistan.
These restrictions include limits on education, employment, public movement and sports. The measures have drawn widespread criticism from the international community.
A UNICEF report released in April warned that Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment continue.
Such losses could further damage Afghanistan’s health and education systems, which are already under severe pressure.
The Taliban says it respects women’s rights according to its interpretation of Islamic law. However, the latest reported detentions have increased concerns that Afghan women are facing even tighter controls in public life.
UNAMA’s statement shows that international pressure is continuing. The mission has urged the authorities to respect basic rights, including freedom of movement, legal equality and humane treatment.
The latest controversy highlights the growing gap between Taliban policy and international human rights standards.
For Afghan women, the situation remains deeply uncertain as restrictions continue to affect education, work, mobility and daily life.
