Afghan women detained over dress code as UN warns of rights concerns

The United Nations has expressed concern over reports that women in western Afghanistan have been arrested and detained for allegedly failing to comply with Taliban dress requirements.

UN raises human rights concerns

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it was concerned by reports of "multiple arrests and detentions of women" in Herat province. While the UN did not provide figures, local media reported last week that at least 21 women and girls had been detained.

In a statement posted on X late on Sunday, UNAMA said the reported detentions raised "serious human rights concerns."

"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," the mission said.

Reports of new dress code measures

The reported arrests came after local media reported that Taliban authorities had issued a directive banning women from appearing in public without what was described as a "proper hijab."

According to those reports, women showing their faces or wearing make-up could face punitive measures. Reuters was unable to independently verify the directive.

The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported detentions or the alleged directive.

Growing restrictions on women

For many Afghan women, the reports have added to growing uncertainty about their place in public life. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has introduced wide-ranging restrictions affecting women and girls, including limits on education, employment and participation in sport.

The measures have drawn international criticism and concern from human rights groups.

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Warning over long-term impact

In April, UNICEF warned that Afghanistan could lose more than 25,000 female teachers and health workers by 2030 if restrictions on girls' education and women's employment remain in force.

The Taliban has repeatedly said it respects women's rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law.

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