KABUL – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is gravely concerned about recent arrests, detentions and threats of arrest targeting women and girls by the de facto authorities in multiple areas of Afghanistan.
UNAMA has verified that between July and September 2026 at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Herat and Kabul, while other women faced threats of arrest. The number of cases may be significantly higher due to underreporting linked to protection concerns and stigma.
The incidents were related to alleged violations of the de facto authorities’ dress code requirements. Women were detained for not wearing a chador, having visible hair, wearing colourful scarves or makeup, or being in public without a mahram. The women were released after spending several hours in detention.
UNAMA is also alarmed by incidents involving verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including female shopkeepers.
UNAMA reiterates that these acts violate women and girls’ rights to freedom of movement, expression and autonomy. Arrests and detentions also expose women and girls to severe social stigma and further marginalisation.
UNAMA urges the de facto authorities to cease discriminatory enforcement practices targeting women and girls, ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of all Afghans, and uphold Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
Dari | Pashto