The United Nations has voiced concern over the reported arrest and detention of women in western Afghanistan for allegedly failing to comply with dress regulations, urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to uphold fundamental rights and ensure equal treatment under the law.
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In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was concerned about multiple arrests in Herat province linked to alleged non-compliance with dress requirements. The mission stressed that all individuals have the right to freedom of movement and should be treated equally regardless of gender.
We remind the de facto authorities that all people have the right to freedom of movement and that all persons, both women and men, are entitled to equality before the law.
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) June 7, 2026
While UNAMA did not specify the number of women affected, local media reports indicated that at least 21 women and girls were detained in Herat last week. Taliban authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported arrests.
According to local reports, the detentions followed a directive issued by Taliban authorities that prohibited women from appearing in public without what was described as a “proper hijab.” The reported order warned that women showing their faces or wearing makeup could face punitive measures. Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the directive.
Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has introduced a series of restrictions affecting women and girls, including limitations on education, employment and participation in public life. These policies have drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups.
Earlier this year, UNICEF warned that Afghanistan could face a significant shortage of female teachers and healthcare workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment continue.
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The Taliban maintains that it respects women’s rights in accordance with its interpretation of Islamic law. However, international bodies continue to call for broader access to education, employment and public participation for Afghan women and girls.