The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over the recent arbitrary arrests and detentions of women and girls by the Taliban due to alleged violations of the Islamic dress code.
Since January 1, UNAMA has observed hijab decree enforcement campaigns in Kabul and Daikundi provinces, conducted by the group’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice and the Taliban’s police.
According to UNAMA, in Kabul, numerous women and girls have been warned and detained. Similar detentions have been reported in Nili City, Daikundi province.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UNAMA stressed that the agency is investigating allegations of ill-treatment and incommunicado detention of detainees, from the religious and ethnic minority communities, who are seemingly disproportionately affected.
UNAMA stressed that to secure release, a male guardian (mahram) must sign a letter guaranteeing future compliance, failing which they face punishment. Reports of demands for payment in exchange for release are also being probed by UNAMA.
Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA, stated, “Physical violence in enforcement measures is particularly demeaning and dangerous for Afghan women and girls.”
“Detentions create significant stigma, increasing risk for Afghan women and undermining public trust,” added Otunbayeva.
UNAMA expressed concerns that the ongoing crackdown is leading to greater isolation of Afghan women due to fear of arbitrary arrest and fostering an environment where men enforce repressive measures at home.
The mission has discussed these issues with the Taliban authorities, including the group’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, and has called for the immediate release of those detained.
UNAMA reminded the Taliban that Afghanistan remains a party to seven key international human rights instruments. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2681 (2023) also urged the group to reverse policies restricting women and girls' human rights and fundamental freedoms.
