The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says that at least 52 women and one girl were arrested or detained in Kabul and Herat between July and September 2026.
UNAMA said in a statement on Thursday, October 8, that several other women had also been threatened with arrest by the de facto authorities.
According to the statement, the women were arrested or detained for what the de facto authorities considered violations of dress requirements.
Failure to wear a headscarf, having part of their hair exposed, wearing colorful headscarves, wearing makeup, and appearing in public without a male relative were among the reasons that led to the arrest of women.
UNAMA added that the detained women were released after spending several hours in custody.
However, the agency said the actual number of such cases could be higher because some cases go unreported due to protection concerns and social stigma.
The agency also expressed concern over reports of verbal abuse, beatings and threats against women, including women shopkeepers.
UNAMA stressed that these measures violate the rights of women and girls, including their freedom of movement, freedom of expression and personal autonomy, and expose them to further social stigma and marginalization.
UNAMA called on the Taliban to end the discriminatory enforcement of regulations against women and girls, respect the human rights and dignity of all citizens of Afghanistan, and uphold Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law.
