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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending...
The results of the Armenian parliamentary elections pose no specific obstacles to the signing of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a foundi...
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a vote by member states on whether he should be removed fr...
Corsica has moved a step closer to getting powers to make some laws locally after a French parliamentary committee approved a draft bill which would g...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
The results of the Armenian parliamentary elections pose no specific obstacles to the signing of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a founding member of the victorious Civil Contract party has said.
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a vote by member states on whether he should be removed from office, following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a vote by member states on whether he should be removed from office, following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Corsica has moved a step closer to getting powers to make some laws locally after a French parliamentary committee approved a draft bill which would give the Mediterranean island more autonomy.
Israeli media reports have provided new details on the transformation of the Mossad under outgoing director David Barnea, describing what officials reportedly called an internal “biometric revolution” focused on technology, intelligence operations and agent protection.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment