The UN mission in Afghanistan warns of a new wave of arrests of women in Herat for allegedly not following dress codes. It points to a serious violation of rights.
The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed concern over the detention of women in Herat province for allegedly violating dress codes. The government movement Taliban called to treat all people equally, writes TASR according to Reuters.
UNAMA did not say how many women were affected. However, local media reported last week that at least 21 women and girls were detained in Herat province. The Taliban did not respond to a request for comment.
Detained for clothing
“UNAMA is concerned about the multiple arrests and detentions of women in Herat for allegedly not complying with the dress code, which raises serious human rights concerns,” UNAMA said late Sunday on the X Network.
“We remind the de facto authorities that all people have the right to freedom of movement and that all persons, women and men, have the right to equality before the law,” she added.
Taliban guidelines
News of the arrests followed local media reporting on a new directive issued by the Taliban last week. It reportedly bans women from appearing in public without a “proper hijab.” At the same time, repressive measures will be faced by women who do not comply with the dress code, as well as those who reveal their face or wear make-up. Reuters was unable to independently verify this directive.
Restrictions for women
The Taliban has imposed extensive restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan since taking power in 2021, including access to education, employment and sports, which has sparked widespread international criticism, Reuters reports.
The ruling movement says it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law.
