UN Criticizes Arrests of Women in Afghanistan Over Dress Code

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of women in Herat province for allegedly failing to comply with Taliban dress codes.

UNAMA did not specify how many women were affected, but local media reported that at least 21 women and girls had been detained. The mission warned that the cases raised serious human rights concerns and urged the Taliban to treat all people equally and respect freedom of movement and equality before the law.

According to local media, the arrests followed a Taliban order in Herat warning that women who appeared in public without what the authorities consider a proper hijab could face punishment. Women who failed to cover their faces or wore make-up were also reportedly threatened with sanctions. Reuters said it could not independently verify the regulation.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls in education, employment and sport. UNICEF warned in April that Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030. The Taliban says it respects women’s rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law.

(reuters, bak)