UNAMA Deeply Concerned Over Detention of 52 Women and One Girl in Herat and Kabul

DID Press: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest and detention of Afghan women and girls, as well as threats of detention against them by what it referred to as the de facto authorities.

UNAMA said in a statement on Thursday, October 8, that between July and September 2026, at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in the cities of Herat and Kabul, while a number of other women faced threats of detention.

According to the UN mission, the actual number of such cases may be significantly higher, as some cases go unreported due to security and protection concerns and fear of social stigma.

UNAMA added that the detentions followed accusations that women and girls had violated the clothing requirements imposed by the de facto authorities. According to the report, reasons for detention included not wearing a chador, having part of their hair visible, wearing colorful headscarves or makeup, and appearing in public without a male mahram.

According to UNAMA, the women were released after spending several hours in detention.

The UN Assistance Mission also expressed concern over reports of verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including female shopkeepers.

UNAMA stressed that such measures could violate the rights of women and girls to freedom of movement, freedom of expression and personal autonomy. It said their arrest and detention could expose women and girls to greater social stigma and further marginalize them.

The mission called on the Taliban authorities to end discriminatory measures against women and girls, respect the human rights and dignity of all Afghan citizens, and uphold Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.