UNAMA is mandated by the UN Security Council to “monitor places of detention, to promote accountability and to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and the international treaties to which Afghanistan is a party.”

UNAMA carries out its detention observation with the full support of the Government (including being granted unhindered access to detention facilities) and in a spirit of cooperation and support.

Since 2011 UNAMA has focused its monitoring and advocacy on the treatment of those arrested on suspicion of having committed offences related to the ongoing armed conflict. UNAMA publishes its findings and recommendations to the Government in reports jointly produced every two years with the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights.

Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody (February 2021) 
Full Report: EnglishDari  Pashto
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody (April 2019) 
Full Report:  English | Dari | Pashto
Executive Summary:  Pashto
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody (April 2017)
Full Report: English
Executive Summary: Dari | Pashto
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody (February 2015)
Full Report: English | Dari | Pashto 
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Treatment of Conflict-Related Detainees in Afghan Custody (January 2013)
Full Report: English | Dari | Pashto
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Treatment of ConflictRelated Detainees in Afghan Custody (October 2011)
Full Report: English | Dari | Pashto
Press Release: English | Dari | Pashto

Arbitrary Detention in Afghanistan: A Call for Action (January 2009)
Vol. l: English | Dari | Pashto
Vol. ll: English | Dari | Pashto