KABUL: The United Nations has raised serious concerns over the detention of Afghan women and girls by the Taliban authorities, saying dozens of women have been arrested in Kabul and Herat in recent months over alleged violations of dress-related rules.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on October 8 that it had verified at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained between July and September 2026. The incidents occurred in Kabul and Herat, while additional women reportedly faced threats of arrest.

Detentions Linked to Dress Requirements

According to UNAMA, the arrests were connected to alleged violations of dress requirements imposed by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.

The reasons cited included not wearing a chador, having visible hair, wearing colourful scarves or makeup, and appearing in public without a male guardian, known as a mahram. The women who were detained were subsequently released after spending several hours in custody.

The UN mission said the number of cases could be considerably higher because some incidents may not be reported. Fear of stigma, security concerns and worries about possible repercussions can discourage families and individuals from reporting such cases.

UN Expresses Concern Over Treatment

UNAMA also reported allegations involving verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women.

The mission said such practices raise concerns about women’s and girls’ rights to freedom of movement, freedom of expression and personal autonomy.

The UN has urged Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to stop discriminatory enforcement measures and ensure that women and girls are treated with dignity and in accordance with international human rights obligations.

Wider Restrictions Remain a Major Issue

The latest concerns form part of a broader international debate over restrictions affecting Afghan women and girls.

UN officials have repeatedly highlighted limitations on women’s participation in education, employment and public life. The United Nations has also warned that restrictions on women can affect humanitarian operations because female aid workers are essential for reaching and communicating with women and girls in communities.

UN officials have described the continued exclusion of women and girls as one of the major challenges facing Afghanistan.

Pressure on Women in Public Life

The latest cases also highlight the difficulties faced by Afghan women who work or operate businesses in public spaces.

UNAMA said it was particularly concerned about reports involving female shopkeepers who allegedly faced verbal abuse, physical violence and threats.

Such incidents can have consequences beyond individual detentions by creating an environment in which women may become increasingly reluctant to work, travel or participate in public activities.

International Human Rights Concerns

The UN’s statement comes amid continuing international scrutiny of Afghanistan’s treatment of women and girls.

The issue has also gained renewed international attention following the International Criminal Court’s recent unsealing of arrest warrants against senior Taliban leaders over alleged crimes against humanity involving gender persecution. The allegations concern policies affecting women, girls and LGBTQI+ people since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The Taliban authorities have rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction and defended their policies as consistent with their interpretation of Islamic law.

UN Calls for Protection of Rights

UNAMA has called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to respect the fundamental rights and dignity of women and girls.

The UN mission has emphasized that freedom of movement, expression and personal autonomy are important elements of human rights and that enforcement practices should not expose women to additional discrimination or marginalization.

The organization is continuing to engage with Afghan authorities over the issue while monitoring developments through its offices across the country.

A Continuing Global Concern

The latest UN statement underscores the continuing gap between international human rights expectations and the policies being implemented by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities.

For the international community, the treatment of women and girls remains a central issue in discussions about Afghanistan’s future relationship with other countries and international organizations.

The verified cases from Kabul and Herat have therefore added another layer to the ongoing diplomatic and human rights debate surrounding Afghanistan.

UNAMA has urged the authorities to end discriminatory practices, protect the rights of women and girls and meet Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.

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