KABUL - UNAMA is deeply concerned by the arrest of at least 30 women in Herat city between 6 and 7 June by de facto Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice officials, together with de facto Police, for allegedly violating dress code instructions.
Dozens more women reportedly received verbal warnings. While the women were released on 8 June, the impact of such arbitrary arrests and detentions on women and their families is profound.
UNAMA is also alarmed by the excessive use of force by Afghanistan’s de facto security forces against residents who gathered in the Jibreil area of Herat city on 9 June to protest the arbitrary detentions. UNAMA has confirmed that at least one person, a boy, was killed by gunfire, while several others suffered injuries including from being beaten with sticks, and is verifying reports of a second fatality.
“A woman’s detention in Afghanistan carries enormous stigma, which can put women at risk of further violence and isolation in their families and communities even after they are released,” said the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Officer-in-Charge for UNAMA, Georgette Gagnon.
“The de facto authorities are obliged under international law to uphold the rights of all Afghans to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, liberty and security of person, and freedom from arbitrary detention,” said Ms. Gagnon.
UNAMA reiterates that all law enforcement measures must comply with international legal standards, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination in the use of force. Individuals have the right to express dissent peacefully without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisals.
UNAMA reinforces its call on the de facto authorities to rescind all policies and practices that restrict the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan, including restrictions on freedom of movement, expression, education, employment and participation in public life.